Equality is a right everyone should have, but unfortunately not everyone receives it. Recently, with more trans rights and communities receiving the recognition they deserve, stories of discrimination, abuse, and mental health issues have been recognized as well. Although negative, these issues have shed a light on our society, and how unfair it is. With suicide rates of trans youth and murders of trans women increasing, it’s important for there to be trans allies. By being an ally, society becomes a better place, people are educated, and the trans community is allowed to feel safe and understood.
Now, what is an ally? According to the Gender and Sexuality Student Services at the University of Illinois, an ally is “A person who is a member of the dominant group who works to end oppression in his or her own personal and professional life by supporting and advocating with the oppressed population.” Being an ally is essential to creating more recognition and allowing for society to have a broader understanding of the trans community. Being an ally isn’t difficult, but there’s this misconception that in order to support LGBTQ communities, you have to have so much knowlege. In reality, it’s simple. By defending and speaking out against opponents, your support is both appreciated and needed. With these five techniques on how to be a trans ally, you’ll discover how vital and impactful being an ally really is.
1. Educate yourself
One of the best ways to be an ally is to educate yourself on the topic. It’s important to know key terms and definitions because you don’t want to be wrong when you talk about issues you may not know much about. Speaking with people in the trans community can also help, but it’s important to learn information on your own. Be open to learning, it will make all the difference.
2. Understand and Ask About Preferred Pronouns
In order for there to be respect on both ends, it’s always important to politely ask about preferred pronouns. By doing this, it shows that you care and understand everyone has a personal preference when it comes to pronouns and to what they are comfortable being referred as. It’s essential to never make assumptions in this case in order to avoid misgendering.
3. Be empathetic
Realize what people in the trans community go through and when it’s probably not the best time to question something. If they’re feeling a certain way, don’t lessen the meaning of their happiness, sadness, or anger. They have the right to feel however they are feeling. The realities of a trans person’s journey are difficult; whether they are alienated by their family or discriminated against in a public place, these issues are hard to go through. Having sympathy and being ready to help in these tough situations can be a huge resource for the community.
4. Work on binary language
Looking at it from a surface level point of view, language has been shaped into being binary with very few exceptions. By using terms other than she/him and ladies/gentleman, inclusivity is created. When non-binary terms are used in conversation, it prevents trans individuals from being left out. This is a simple change that creates overall awareness.
5. Join organizations
Although it’s not mandatory, engaging and joining in groups centered towards being an ally and supporter can be beneficial. Being a part of organizations with the same hopes and views of a LGBTQ ally has many positive benefits like having a greater understanding of what it is to be a trans person and what their journey may be like. Volunteering and participating in events organized by LGBTQ groups gives you a better grasp, all while hearing different perspectives gained from others’ personal experiences.
For the trans community, life isn’t easy; however, the help and support of others can make a huge difference. LGBTQ communities and groups aren’t always the first to be supported and looked after, making it important for people outside of the community to use their voices to spread awareness. Hate crimes are on the rise, causing it to be even harder for trans people to live their truth. As a result, allies are needed more than ever. Protecting and caring for trans people is definitely needed and what is most important.
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