As I wrote in my blog post, The Williams Institute, U.S.C’s think tank that studies LGBTQ policy, reported 655 bills were introduced last year aimed at discrediting the LGBTQ population. President Trump does not believe in gender dysphoria, the belief that a person can be in the wrong body. It’s a mismatch between their gender identity and their sex assigned at birth.
Because of his stance that you are either born male or female and should not transition to a different sex, the Trump Administration is opposed to transsexuals in the military, classrooms, sports or bathrooms that they align with. They are maligned because they are misunderstood and fall victim to violence, even murder.
Although a smaller percentage than the LGB population and only 1.3 of Generation Z (18-27), transgenders are, and have been, present throughout the ages. Trans Day of Visibility was started on March 31, 2009 and is now spearheaded by Youth Advocacy by Trans Student Educational Resources in the United States.
Here are some ways you can be an ally:
- Research how transgenders have contributed to society.
- Don’t assume that you can tell if a person is transgender just by looking at them.
- Their sexual orientation won’t be obvious.
- Find out what pronoun they use and how they want to be addressed.
- Don’t use their “dead name” (name before transitioning).
If you know someone you think has gender dysphoria, show you care by:
- Educating yourself.
- Be patient with the individual.
- They may need to talk to a mental health professional who knows more than you.
- Be aware of signs they are struggling from bullying, etc.
- Help them discover how they can be more comfortable with themselves and others.
Here are five ways you can support Trans and Non-Binary individuals DAILY:
- What does it mean to be non-binary or trans?
- Understand the challenges that trans and non-binary people face: discrimination, violence, lower pay.
- Speak up about bullying and hate!
- Be a visible and vocal ally even if it means protecting your trans friend.
- Write to Sarah McBride, first trans Representative of Delaware and be sure you don’t misgender her!
When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need To Know
For more detailed advice, see book, co-authored with a mother of a gay son and a psychiatrist, Jonathan L. Tobkes, M.D.
