Trans Allyship
The most important acts of trans allyship are the genuine belief that trans people's gender identities are valid - that trans people are who they say they are - and acting accordingly.
Whilst trans allyship may sometimes seem complex, it begins with a commitment to this very simple foundation:
- Believe us
- Listen to us
- Act accordingly
This means, for example, working through harmful societal attitudes and beliefs, myths, misinformation, and stereotypes which you've been taught about trans people that suggest we are not who we know ourselves to be.
Trans women are women. Trans men are men. Non-binary identities are real and valid.
It means listening to trans people, individually and collectively, when we share our experiences, our concerns, and our needs. It means taking opportunities to educate yourself when there's something you don't understand.
And it means acting in accordance with this sincere belief in our gender identities, with an understanding of who trans people are, what we experience, and what we need in order to be safe and included.
So, for example, as a person who recognises non-binary gender identities, who understands non-binary people's experiences of restrictive binary gender categories, you would ensure that when you collect title and gender data you include non-binary options as standard and avoid assumptions of someone's gender on the basis of their name, voice etc.
Trans allyship is a journey, and one each of us (trans people included) needs to embark on it deliberately and with commitment. What follows in this guide is a spotlight on key areas of trans-inclusive practice.
Learn & practice trans terminology
Although trans people have existed throughout history and across cultures, language to describe trans identities and trans experiences (particularly in inclusive ways) has evolved much more recently and continues to evolve today. Trans terminology is thus poorly understood by most people, and an important aspect of trans allyship is learning the terminology and building confidence using it.
A lack of confidence with trans terminology fuels reluctance to talk about trans people and trans inclusion. The less we talk about trans issues, the less familiarity others have with trans terminology, trans identities and trans inclusion, and so the cycle continues. Help break the cycle by learning how to speak about trans people and their experiences in inclusive ways, and becoming confident using appropriate terminology to speak openly about trans issues and to advocate for trans inclusion.
What does this look like in practice?
Start by reading our introduction to key LGBTQUA+ terms and concepts, which is suitable for those with little or no prior knowledge. You can refer back to our glossary of LGBTQUA+ terminology as and when needed.
Check your understanding using these questions:
- Can you define what it means to be 'trans', and what it means to be 'cis'?
- What do the terms 'trans man', 'trans woman', 'AFAB' and 'AMAB' mean?
- What does it mean to be non-binary?
- Which outdated terms should you avoid?
- What is 'cisnormativity' and what does it look like in practice?
- What does it mean to 'transition'?
- How and why is the term 'gender reassignment' sometimes used?
Recognise the distinction between sexual orientation and trans identity
Being trans is not a sexual orientation, and trans people can have any sexual orientation (including heterosexual).
Whilst LGBTQUA+ people share...., it is imperative to acknowledge.... consider specifically...
What does this look like in practice?
When