How to be a Trans Ally

An ally is someone who supports the Trans community, even if they may not be a part of it themselves. Allies are very important in working towards equality and helping wider society better understand the experiences of the Trans community.

Message from the Senior Equality Champion

Executive Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Wiebe Van der Hoek invites you to become a Trans Ally this year International Transgender Days of Visibility.

Allies are not all the same – they may do very different things to support the Trans communities based on their skills and abilities, and that’s okay. Here will list some qualities and tips on being a Trans Ally.

Qualities of a Trans Ally

Allies want to learn.

Allies are people who don’t necessarily know all that can be known on Tran & Non-Binary issues or about people who are Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, or Non-Binary, but want to learn more.

Allies address their barriers.

Allies are people who might have to grapple with some barriers to being openly and actively supportive of people who are Trans and Non-Binary, and they’re willing to take on the challenge.

Allies are people who know that “support” comes in many forms.

It can mean something public (joining a Trans Pride Parade), but it can also mean expressing support in more personal ways through the language we use, conversations we choose to have, and signals that we send. And true allies know that all aspects of ally expression are important, effective, and should be valued equally.

Allies are diverse.

Allies are people who know that there’s no one way to be an ally, and that everyone gets to adopt the term in a different way…and that’s ok.

5 positive ways to be a Trans Ally

  1. Accept that people have the right to define their gender, regardless of assigned sex.
  2. Respect people’s gender identifcations, pronouns, and names.
  3. Challenge anti-trans and sexist remarks, jokes, and comments through personal conversations.
  4. Listen to the stories of people who are trans to better understand their experiences.
  5. Say that you’re a trans ally and tell people why.

10 Things You Can Do to Be an LGBTQ+ Ally

  1. Be open. Talk about having lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) friends, family, colleagues, classmates, and acquaintances.
  2. Ask questions. Or do research on your own. If you hear acronyms, terminology, or references you’re not familiar with commit to getting the answers.
  3. Stay informed. Learn about the realities, challenges and issues affecting the lives of people who are LGBTQ+ through news stories, social media, websites, books, documentaries, and educational materials.
  4. Speak up. When you hear anti-LGBTQ+ slurs, jokes, or misinformation say something. Lead with why you’re an ally to make your case for more welcoming and inclusive spaces.
  5. Teach equality. Talk to the children in your life about different kinds of families. Be mindful of the dayto-day messages that they are receiving about people for are LGBTQ+ in schools, from friends, the web, and on TV.
  6. Reconsider your support. When you are thinking about donating time, talent, or treasure to an organization consider whether they have inclusive policies. If they don’t, ask how you can help.
  7. Think about where you spend. Support LGBTQ+-owned and friendly businesses that have policies and practices to ensure equal treatment for employees and customers.
  8. Challenge those around you. Encourage the organizations you are a part of – including social groups, your workplace, or faith community – to consider inclusive policies that protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination.
  9. Get loud. Talk to friends and family, share stories online – do whatever you can to come out as an ally so that others know you support respectful and equal treatment for people who are LGBTQ+.
  10. Become an advocate. Call, write, email, or visit public policy makers and let them know that as an ally who votes, you support laws that extend equal rights and protections al ALL people.

Things not to do as an Ally

  • Don't “Out” a transgender person without their express permission.
  • Don't assume an individual’s sex or gender identity based upon their appearance.
  • Don't refer to a transgender person as “it” or as a “he-she” or “she-he,” unless the individual has specifically asked you to refer to them in such a manner.
  • Don't put the chosen name, chosen pronouns, or self-identification of a transgender person in quotation marks; this conveys a belief that the individuals chosen name, pronoun or identity is ultimately invalid or false.
  • Don't assume that, because you cannot visually identify anyone in a room as transgender, there are no transgender people present.
  • Don't question a transgender person’s assessment of their identity or experience.
  • Don't place labels on individuals; mirror their language and self-identification instead.

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