How To Be A Better Ally On International Transgender Day Of Visibility

Chloe Fitzgerald

5 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

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Educate Yourself on Transgender Issues

Understanding the transgender experience is the cornerstone of effective allyship. This involves dispelling misinformation and embracing the diversity within the transgender community.

Understanding Gender Identity and Expression

Gender identity is a person's internal sense of being a man, a woman, both, neither, or somewhere else along the gender spectrum. Gender expression refers to how someone outwardly presents their gender through clothing, behavior, and other means. It's crucial to understand that sex assigned at birth—the sex assigned by medical professionals at birth—does not determine gender identity. Many transgender individuals identify with a gender different from the one assigned at birth. The transgender experience is incredibly diverse; there's no single "transgender experience."

• Reputable Resources: GLAAD, The Trevor Project, Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
• Books: "Redefining Realness" by Janet Mock, "Whipping Girl" by Julia Serano
• Documentaries: "Disclosure," "Paris is Burning"
• Articles: Search reputable news sources and academic journals for up-to-date information on transgender issues.

Debunking Common Myths and Misconceptions

Many misconceptions surround transgender people, often fueled by prejudice and lack of understanding. Addressing these myths is vital for building allyship.

• Myth: Transgender women are not "real" women. Fact: Gender identity is internal and not determined by anatomy. Transgender women are women.
• Myth: Transgender people are trying to "trick" or "confuse" others. Fact: Transgender individuals simply want to live authentically and be recognized for who they are.
• Myth: Being transgender is a mental illness. Fact: Gender dysphoria is sometimes listed in diagnostic manuals, but it is not a mental illness, but rather a condition where a person experiences distress due to a mismatch between their gender identity and assigned sex.

Using correct pronouns and names is paramount. Misgendering is disrespectful and invalidating. The intentional or unintentional misuse of pronouns demonstrates a lack of respect and contributes to a harmful environment.

Actively Listen and Respect Transgender Individuals

Creating a safe and supportive environment for transgender individuals involves more than just tolerance; it demands active listening, empathy, and genuine respect.

Creating Safe Spaces for Sharing

Active listening means fully concentrating on what a transgender person is sharing, showing empathy and validating their feelings. Avoid interrupting or offering unsolicited advice.

• Phrases to Use: "I'm here to listen," "That sounds incredibly difficult," "I want to understand your experience better."
• Phrases to Avoid: "I don't understand," "You should just…," making assumptions about their experiences

Creating a safe space involves ensuring confidentiality and respecting boundaries. Transgender individuals may not feel comfortable sharing everything, and their trust must be earned.

Prioritizing Respectful Language and Pronouns

Using correct pronouns and names is fundamental to showing respect. If unsure, politely ask for clarification. Correcting someone who misgenders another person should be done politely and privately.

• Tips for Remembering Pronouns: Write them down, use pronoun stickers, practice using them regularly.
• Resources for Pronoun Training: Many organizations offer online and in-person training on gender identity and pronouns.

Advocate for Transgender Rights and Equality

Being a transgender ally means actively working toward systemic change. This includes supporting inclusive policies and challenging transphobia.

Supporting Transgender-Inclusive Policies

Advocate for policies that protect transgender rights, such as non-discrimination laws, access to gender-affirming care, and gender-neutral restrooms. Contact your elected officials, participate in peaceful protests, and support organizations that champion these causes.

• Organizations to Contact: Human Rights Campaign (HRC), GLAAD, ACLU.
• Ways to Participate: Contact elected officials, participate in peaceful protests, donate to relevant organizations.

Challenging Transphobia and Discrimination

When witnessing transphobic behavior, intervene safely and appropriately. This might involve speaking up directly (if safe to do so), reporting the incident to authorities, or supporting the victim.

• How to Challenge Transphobic Remarks: "That's not okay," "That's offensive," "Let's talk about why that's harmful."
• Resources for Reporting Discrimination: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), local law enforcement.

Celebrate Transgender Identities and Contributions

Highlighting positive representations of transgender people and supporting transgender-owned businesses are essential aspects of allyship.

Highlighting Positive Representations

Seek out and share positive representations of transgender individuals in media, literature, and art. Counter negative stereotypes by showcasing transgender stories of resilience, success, and joy.

• Examples: Laverne Cox, Elliot Page, Janet Mock.

Supporting Transgender-Owned Businesses and Organizations

Supporting transgender-owned businesses helps strengthen the transgender community economically and socially. Search for local businesses and organizations and make a conscious effort to patronize them.

• Finding Transgender-Owned Businesses: Search online directories or look for businesses that explicitly state their support for the transgender community.

Conclusion

This International Transgender Day of Visibility, and every day, let's commit to being better transgender allies. By educating ourselves, actively listening, advocating for change, and celebrating transgender identities, we can build a more just and equitable world for all. Continue your journey to becoming a stronger transgender ally by utilizing the resources and suggestions provided in this guide. Remember, allyship is a continuous process of learning, growing, and actively working towards a more inclusive future for the transgender community. Become an active participant in creating a world where all transgender individuals are seen, respected, and celebrated.