How To Be A Good Ally This Transgender Visibility Day

Photo by Katie Rainbow 🏳️‍🌈 on Unsplash

Today is International Transgender Visibility Day! Today also marks 70 days into a lethal administration that has targeted Transgender individuals directly by spewing dangerous rhetoric, making an already vulnerable community all the more endangered. It’s hard to celebrate the day and the Trans individuals we love, without acknowledging this horrific scenario. In light of such hatred, Ribbon is here to remind you that Trans Women are still Women, Trans Men are still Men, and no idiot with a bad spray tan can change that fact. In light of these awful times, here are some ways YOU can be a good ally this Transgender Visibility Day! 

1. Uplift The Queer Voices In Your Community

Transness, like most things, is intersectional. Meaning the issues Trans people face are not equal everywhere. Things like their location, age, and skin color can all play a factor in the difficulties Trans individuals are facing. The realities of being Trans here in Texas are wildly different from what the community is facing in Chicago, in the UK, in Japan. Wherever you’re located, I promise you, Trans people exist. Uplift their voices, follow them on social media, and share their messaging. When looking for a way to help, it’s always best to start at home.

2. Take Time To Listen

Photo by Icons8 Team on Unsplash

This one sounds simple enough, but oftentimes, allies, myself included, tend to think we know everything about the issues we care about. That because we are open-minded and supportive, or even in the community ourselves, there’s no more learning left to be had. This is not the case. Take a moment to quiet your mouth and listen to what the Trans community is saying. You may be surprised by the perspectives you hear. And, especially in a delicate situation such as this, the ways in which you can help may not be what you’re expecting. So take a second and learn how you can best show up for the community you care about. 

3. Have The Hard Conversations 

As Taylor Swift once said, “I think it is so frilly and spineless of me to stand onstage and go ‘Happy Pride Month, you guys,’ and then not say this, when someone’s literally coming for their neck.” Trans people are being attacked from every angle right now. Their rights, voices, and livelihoods are being challenged, and now is not the time to sit idly by and not advocate. If you think Transphobia is wrong, say it. If you think Trans Women are women, make that opinion heard. As Cis people, we have a certain privilege to advocate for the Trans community and not face the same level of discrimination as our Trans counterparts. If your friend group is saying shady things, or you see a group of TERFs ranting about Trans Athletes. Advocate. Have the tough conversations. Be a voice for those who cannot safely be a voice for themselves. 

4. Engage in Queer Media

Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo in press for Wicked.

Wicked meme’s aside, engaging in queer led and queer centric media is a huge way to relate to a community you may not have direct ties too. Watch Drag Race, watch I Saw The TV Glow, and support projects led by Trans people because soon you will find that the issues they are speaking about are some of the things you too face. You’ll gain a level of understanding, and be supporting the very people who need it not just on this day but always!

5. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is

Donate. To LGBTQIA+ Centers, to top surgery go-fund me’s, to the artists and their nonprofits. Buy from Trans-led brands. Play Trans-led games, like Celeste. Support the community financially in any way you care to! 

6. Be A Safe Space

This life is hard for everyone. Right now, it is very unnecessarily difficult for our Trans friends. If you have someone you mentor, or a friend, or a family member who is Trans or has said things alluding to as much, be a safe space. Be caring and open-minded, and let them know you are there to listen and never judge. That you support them and want them here in whatever way they care to show up. On a personal note, I lost a friend a few years ago, and I wish I had the chance to tell them these things, but I didn’t. You do. In a world filled with so much hatred, please choose kindness. 

Happy Trans Visibility Day! I see you, and I admire you <3