Tips for Being a Better Transgender Ally

It's not that hard to be a better ally. Here are four relatively simple steps.

By Jamilah King Jun 28, 2013

Today is National Trans Day of Action in New York and there’s lots to celebrate. But first: four simple steps to becoming a better trans ally from Rebecca Kling at Thought Catalogue

Step Zero: Don’t Deny Someone Else’s Reality

The first thing about being a trans ally — something really before the first thing — is to know when to keep your mouth shut.

Step One: Educate Yourself

So, you’ve learned to keep your mouth shut. Awesome! You’ll go far. The next step toward being a strong trans ally (and the first real bit of work) is to transform yourself into an informed trans ally. To do that, you need to educate yourself.

Step Two: Begin To Speak Up

So, you’ve read through some Trans 101 websites. You’ve got a grasp on gender identity, cissexism, why you shouldn’t use words like "tranny" and "shemale." Now what?

Begin to flex your ally muscles. This can be incredibly simple: Call out the next transphobic joke you see on TV.

Step Three: Go Big or Go Home

Now that you’ve educated yourself and know enough to call out basic transphobia among your friends or peers, it’s time to step up your game. In your own life, this can be things like asking your employer why there isn’t a gender-neutral bathroom at your workplace.

(H/T Gender Justice LA)