I want to be an ALLY
So, you know someone that identifies under the Trans umbrella, or doesn't but is gender variant in all it's amazing forms. Or you've discovered this community exists, and you believe in them and want to help.
What next??
First - be SUPPORTIVE and be PRESENT, either to an individual, or the community as a whole. Nothing is more valuable than your active support, voice and presence. Period. Do it.
Second - EDUCATE yourself. Before you start spreading what you think you know, make sure what you know is credible and correct. Keep in mind the Trans world is fluid, always evolving, not black and white in any way. The fact that you're here is a great start. (For those of you with an analytical mind wanting statistics, go here.)
Third - be FEARLESS. This is going to be hard. When you can't find the answer to a difficult or awkward question, you're going to have to buck up and ask someone in an appropriate way. You're going to have to be uncomfortable to better source the truth. When your friends, family members and colleagues speak disparagingly about the Trans community, even if it's not about someone specific, you need to use your voice. You need to stand up for those that are invisible. You need to become an active ally. (There's that word again) Active and fearless. Because we need you. We really do.
Now, the fun stuff. Here's some valuable information, blogs, stories, pictures, etc. ... education if you will, that'll get you on your way famously. Check back occasionally, we work hard to keep the content updated and relevant.
Oh, and thanks. Thanks for stepping up and showing we're all people.
What next??
First - be SUPPORTIVE and be PRESENT, either to an individual, or the community as a whole. Nothing is more valuable than your active support, voice and presence. Period. Do it.
Second - EDUCATE yourself. Before you start spreading what you think you know, make sure what you know is credible and correct. Keep in mind the Trans world is fluid, always evolving, not black and white in any way. The fact that you're here is a great start. (For those of you with an analytical mind wanting statistics, go here.)
Third - be FEARLESS. This is going to be hard. When you can't find the answer to a difficult or awkward question, you're going to have to buck up and ask someone in an appropriate way. You're going to have to be uncomfortable to better source the truth. When your friends, family members and colleagues speak disparagingly about the Trans community, even if it's not about someone specific, you need to use your voice. You need to stand up for those that are invisible. You need to become an active ally. (There's that word again) Active and fearless. Because we need you. We really do.
Now, the fun stuff. Here's some valuable information, blogs, stories, pictures, etc. ... education if you will, that'll get you on your way famously. Check back occasionally, we work hard to keep the content updated and relevant.
Oh, and thanks. Thanks for stepping up and showing we're all people.
Learn the TERMS
Updated information to come ...
Super Fantastic BLOGS and SITES
The list of Trans advocates with loud voices out there is growing. They are often the best places to find real deal, I can do this at home, advice and suggestions on how to be a ally. Here are some of our favourites:
Samantha Allen
Her "7 Ways To Be A Trans Ally" is a quick trip through the basics, that are easy to apply, and accompanied by some hilarious gifs for your entertainment. After all, keeping it light makes it easier, non?
National Center for Transgender Equality
This organization works hard to educate, politick when necessary, and spread the love. Their "52 Things You Can Do For Transgender Equality" is another great list of actionable items for the non Trans* community. Actually, strike that, their items can and should be done by EVERYONE!
Transadvocate
This site is many blogs, all by Trans advocates, all the time. Contributors come from a myriad of already established Trans positive online presences such as; Tranifesto by Matt Kailey, Transgriot by Monica Roberts and Whipping Girl by Julia Serano. Cristan Williams is always good if you can handle in your face, blunt and to the point.
Basic Rights Oregon
Some great resources can be found on this groups site, many Trans specific. While they are US focused, the information outside of healthcare is universal and excellent.
wikiHow
Not unlike Wikipedia, wikiHow is a user generated and edited site for general how-to instructions. We really like their "How To Respect a Transgender Person", which is nicely illustrated and easy to apply. It mentions a couple of different things than the previously mentioned respect articles, so they are all worth a read.
Samantha Allen
Her "7 Ways To Be A Trans Ally" is a quick trip through the basics, that are easy to apply, and accompanied by some hilarious gifs for your entertainment. After all, keeping it light makes it easier, non?
National Center for Transgender Equality
This organization works hard to educate, politick when necessary, and spread the love. Their "52 Things You Can Do For Transgender Equality" is another great list of actionable items for the non Trans* community. Actually, strike that, their items can and should be done by EVERYONE!
Transadvocate
This site is many blogs, all by Trans advocates, all the time. Contributors come from a myriad of already established Trans positive online presences such as; Tranifesto by Matt Kailey, Transgriot by Monica Roberts and Whipping Girl by Julia Serano. Cristan Williams is always good if you can handle in your face, blunt and to the point.
Basic Rights Oregon
Some great resources can be found on this groups site, many Trans specific. While they are US focused, the information outside of healthcare is universal and excellent.
wikiHow
Not unlike Wikipedia, wikiHow is a user generated and edited site for general how-to instructions. We really like their "How To Respect a Transgender Person", which is nicely illustrated and easy to apply. It mentions a couple of different things than the previously mentioned respect articles, so they are all worth a read.
Nothing but QUESTIONS!
