This week is Transgender Awareness Week. Earlier in the week, we busted some misconceptions and we learned more about what it means to be trans, with our fantastic guest speaker, Jason Summers.
Today, we’re exploring the actions you can take as an ally to support the trans community as well as help create a culture where every colleague is free to be their true selves.
Learn
Speaking directly to people who have a lived experience is a great way to learn more; however, we don’t always pause to consider whether or not a person would like to be asked a particular question. Consider this:
Pause – why do I want to know this information?
If you’re only asking because you’re curious, it may be a good idea to turn to Google or other resources. Stonewall’s Truth about Trans is a great article to give you the foundations. On the other hand, sometimes we need information to respectfully interact with people. Names and pronouns are a great example of this.
Would I feel comfortable if someone asked me this question?
Put yourself in the shoes of the other person. Are you asking someone to share personal, intimate or medical details? Are you unintentionally pressuring them to share their opinion on a contentious issue? Consider whether your question could be seen as invasive.
How will my question make that person feel?
Underrepresented communities often receive similar questions comments from different people. While they may seem minimal to you, over time, this can have a profound effect on someone’s sense of belonging, making people feel like they have to justify their identity or true self. Read more here about subtle acts of exclusion and how you can increase your awareness.
Listen
Listen to trans people and hear about their lived experiences. Follow trans people on social media, buy books written by trans authors and watch films and documentaries that trans people have made, directed or produced. Take a look at these content creators to get started:
Older Transgender Woman Meets Young Transgender Woman (Sensitive content)
Advocate
Think of allyship as an action, rather than a label. Here are some simple actions you can take today:
- Find out why pronouns are important and how to add yours here.
- The language we use is always evolving. Read the Inclusive Language guide here to find out more.
- Practice self-observation and reflect on your own behaviours.
- Learn more about Spectrum here, our LGBT+ and Friends employee led network.
- Become a member of Spectrum’s Facebook group here and attend their events to learn more.