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MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON AN
ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”

April 15, 2024

THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!

April 12, 2024

WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE PERKINS,
AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET

April 12, 2024
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   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: “PROBLEMISTA” IN SELECT THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I SEE THE TV
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   AND MORE!
   
   March 1, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   35TH ANNUAL GLAAD MEDIA AWARD NOMINEES INCLUDE OUTSTANDING STORIES ABOUT
   TRANS PEOPLE #GLAADAWARDS
   
   January 18, 2024
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   GLAAD CELEBRATES OUTSTANDING VIDEO GAME NOMINEES AT THE 35TH ANNUAL GLAAD
   MEDIA AWARDS #GLAADAWARDS
   
   January 18, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD ANNOUNCES NOMINEES FOR THE 35TH ANNUAL GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS!
   
   January 17, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   MAREN MORRIS TALKS UPCOMING TOUR AND NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK “ADDIE ANT GOES ON
   AN ADVENTURE” ON “THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW”
   
   April 15, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   THE GLAAD WRAP: INDIGO GIRLS DOCUMENTARY “IT’S ONLY LIFE AFTER ALL” IN SELECT
   THEATERS, TRAILERS FOR “I USED TO BE FUNNY” AND “WE’RE HERE,” NEW MUSIC FROM
   ASHA JEFFERIES, LOGAN LYNN, AND MORE!
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   WATCH: GLAAD INTERVIEWS BRYAN TERRELL CLARK, DANIELLE PINNOCK, DEWAYNE
   PERKINS, AND OTHERS ON THE 55TH NAACP IMAGE AWARDS RED CARPET
   
   April 12, 2024
   Read More
   
   
   GLAAD AND OGILVY LAUNCH “PROTECT THIS KID” CAMPAIGN IN SUPPORT OF LGBTQ YOUTH
   
   April 12, 2024
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Home » Transgender Media » Tips for Allies of Transgender People


TIPS FOR ALLIES OF TRANSGENDER PEOPLE

The following are tips that can be used as you move toward becoming a better
ally to transgender people. Of course, this list is not exhaustive and cannot
include all the “right” things to do or say because often there is no one
“right” answer to every situation you might encounter.

When you become an ally of transgender people, your actions will help change the
culture, making society a better, safer place for transgender people and for all
people (trans or not) who do not conform to conventional gender expectations.

You can’t tell if someone is transgender just by looking.
Transgender people don’t look any certain way or come from any one background.
Many transgender people do not appear “visibly trans,” meaning they are not
perceived to be transgender by others. It is not possible to look around a room
and “see” if there are any transgender people. (It would be like a person
looking around the room to “see” if there are any gay people.) You should assume
that there may be transgender people at any gathering or in any space.

Don’t make assumptions about a transgender person’s sexual orientation.
Gender identity is different than sexual orientation. Sexual orientation is
about who we’re attracted to. Gender identity is about our own personal sense
of being a man or a woman, or neither of those binary genders. Transgender
people can be gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, or any other sexual orientation.

If you don’t know what pronouns to use, listen first.
If you’re unsure which pronoun a person uses, listen first to the pronouns other
people use when referring to them. Someone who knows the person well will
probably use the correct pronoun. If you must ask which pronoun the person uses,
start with your own. For example, “Hi, I’m Alex and I use the pronouns he and
him. What about you?” Then use that person’s pronoun and encourage others to do
so. If you accidently use the wrong pronoun, apologize quickly and sincerely,
correct your mistake, then move on. The bigger deal you make out of the
situation, the more uncomfortable it is for everyone.

Don’t ask a transgender person what their “real name” is.
For some transgender people, being associated with their birth name is a
tremendous source of anxiety, or it is simply a part of their life they wish to
leave behind. Respect the name a transgender person is currently using. If you
happen to know the name someone was given at birth but no longer uses, don’t
share it without the person’s explicit permission. Similarly, don’t share photos
of someone from before their transition, unless you have their permission.

Understand the differences between “coming out” as lesbian, gay, or bisexual and
“coming out” as transgender.
“Coming out” to other people as lesbian, gay, or bisexual is typically seen as
revealing a truth that allows other people to know your authentic self. The LGB
community places great importance and value on the idea of being “out” in order
to be happy and whole. When a transgender person has transitioned and is living
their life as their authentic self–that is their truth. The world now sees them
as who they truly are. Unfortunately, it can often feel disempowering for a
transgender person to disclose to other people that they are transgender.
Sometimes when other people learn a person is trans, they no longer see the
person as “real.” Some people may choose to publicly discuss their gender
history in an effort to raise awareness and make cultural change, but please
don’t assume that it’s necessary for a transgender person to disclose that they
are transgender in order to feel happy and whole.

Be careful about confidentiality, disclosure, and “outing.”
Some transgender people feel comfortable disclosing their gender history, while
others do not. A transgender person’s gender history is personal information and
it is up to them to share it with others. Do not casually share this
information, speculate, or gossip about a person you know or think is
transgender. Not only is this an invasion of privacy, it also can have negative
consequences in a world that is very intolerant of gender diversity. Transgender
people can lose jobs, housing, friends, or even their lives when other people
find out about their gender history.

Respect the terminology a transgender person uses to describe their identity.
Transgender people use many different terms to describe their experiences.
Respect the term (transgender, transsexual, nonbinary, genderqueer etc.) a
person uses to describe themselves. If a person is not sure which terms
best describes their gender, give them the time to figure it out for themselves
and don’t tell them which term you think they should use. You wouldn’t like your
identity to be defined by others, so please allow others to define themselves.

Be patient with a person who is questioning or exploring their gender identity.
A person who is questioning or exploring their gender identity may take some
time to figure out what’s true for them. They might, for example, use a name or
pronoun, and then decide at a later time to change the name or pronoun again. Do
your best to be respectful and use the name and pronoun requested. 

Understand there is no “right” or “wrong” way to transition, and that it is
different for every person.
Some transgender people access medical care like hormone replacement therapy and
surgeries as part of their transition in order to align their bodies with their
gender identity. Some transgender people want their authentic gender identity to
be recognized without hormones or surgery. Some transgender people cannot access
gender affirming healthcare due to a lack of financial resources or access to
trained providers. A transgender person’s gender is not dependent on medical
procedures or how they look. Accept that if someone tells you they are
transgender, they are.

Don’t ask about a transgender person’s genitals, surgical status, or sex life.
It would be inappropriate to ask a cisgender (non-transgender) person about the
appearance or status of their genitals. It is equally inappropriate to ask a
transgender person those questions. Don’t ask if a transgender person has had
“the surgery” or if they are “pre-op” or “post-op.” If a transgender person
wants to talk to you about such matters, they will bring it up. Similarly, it
wouldn’t be appropriate to ask a cisgender person about how they have sex, so
the same courtesy should be extended to transgender people.

Avoid backhanded compliments and “helpful” tips.
While you may intend to be supportive, comments like the following can be
hurtful or even insulting:

“I would have never known you were transgender. You look so pretty.”

“You look just like a real woman.”

“She’s so gorgeous, I would have never guessed she was transgender.”

“He’s so hot. I’d date him even though he’s transgender.”

“You’re so brave.”

“You’d pass so much better if you wore less/more make-up, had a better wig,
etc.”

“Have you considered a voice coach?”

Challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes in public spaces, including LGB
spaces.
You may hear anti-transgender comments from anti-LGBTQ activists, but you may
also hear them from LGB people. Someone may think that because they’re gay, it’s
ok for them to use certain words or tell jokes about transgender people. It’s
important to challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes whenever they’re said
and no matter who says them.

Support all-gender public restrooms.
Some transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming people may not feel like
they match the signs on the restroom door. Encourage schools, businesses, and
agencies to have single user, unisex and/or all-gender restroom options. Make it
clear that trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming people are welcome to use
whichever restroom they feel comfortable using.

Help make your company or group truly trans-inclusive.
“LGBTQ” is now a commonplace term that joins lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and
transgender people under the same acronym. If you are part of a company or group
that says it’s LGBTQ-inclusive, remember that transgender people face unique
challenges, and that being LGBTQ-inclusive means truly understanding the needs
of the trans community and implementing policies address that them. 

At meetings and events, set an inclusive tone.
In a group setting, identify people by articles of clothing instead of using
gendered language. For example, the “person in the blue shirt,” instead of the
“woman in the front.” Similarly, “Sir” and “Madam” are best avoided. If
bathrooms in the space are not already all-gender, ask if it’s possible to put
an all-gender sign on them. In some circumstances, where not everyone is known,
consider asking people to introduce themselves with their names and pronouns.
For example, “Hi, I’m Nick and I use he/him pronouns.” Start with yourself and
use a serious tone that will discourage others from dismissing the activity with
a joke. However, if you feel this practice will have the effect of singling out
the trans people in the room or putting them on the spot, avoid it. Remember, it
costs cisgender people nothing to share their prounouns, but for trans people it
can mean they are sharing something very personal about their gender.

Listen to transgender people.
The best way to be an ally is to listen with an open mind to transgender people
speaking for themselves. Follow thought leaders in the transgender community.
Check out books, films, YouTube channels, and trans blogs to find out more about
transgender people and the issues people within the community face. We recommend
watching the documentary “Disclosure” on Netflix. Directed by Sam Feder and
executive produced by Laverne Cox, “Disclosure” surveys the history of trans
representation in TV and film using archival footage and interviews with 30
trans advocates and artists working in the entertainment industry. The film
reveals how media has created and perpetuated stereotypes about transgender
people.

Learn that transgender people are not new.
Transgender people have existed across cultures and throughout history. What is
new is the heightened awareness of gender diversity and the transgender
community because of increased media attention in recent years. Seek out
resources written by transgender people about how trans people existed in the
past, and how trans community exists in different countries around the world.

Know your own limits as an ally.
Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something. It is better to admit
you don’t know something than to make assumptions or say something that may be
incorrect or hurtful. Seek out the appropriate resources that will help you
learn more. Remember being an ally is a sustained and persistent pattern of
action; not an idle or stable noun. 

(Updated March 2021 / Adapted from MIT’s “Action Tips for Allies of Trans
People.”)


LEARN EVEN MORE ABOUT BEING AN ALLY

To learn more about how to be an ally to trans person, check out PFLAG’s
Straight for Equality site and their “Guide to being a trans ally” publication.


LEARN MORE ABOUT TRANSGENDER PEOPLE AND HISTORY

In spite of the tremendous challenges that come with living in a culture that
does not treat transgender people equally, transgender people have made and are
making significant contributions to society. 

For a look at the history of transgender people in America, check
out Transgender History by Susan Stryker and the GLAAD Media Award-winning films
from Rhys Ernst We’ve Been Around and This is Me. Watch HBO’s The Trans List to
find out about some strong transgender advocates.


TRANSGENDER FAQ

Learn more about transgender people and the issues important to them


MEDIA PROFESSIONALS

If you are a media professional working on a story, please check out GLAAD’s
resources for covering transgender people in the media.


GLAAD’S WORK ON TRANSGENDER ISSUES

Learn about the work GLAAD does everyday to ensure transgender people are
treated fairly in the media.


TIPS FOR ALLIES

Learn more about how to be an ally to transgender people


REPORT DEFAMATION

If you see defamation of transgender people in the media, we encourage you to
report it now.


TRANSGENDER RESOURCES

Check out a list of resources for transgender people and their allies.

 



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