Trans Activists Share 4 Tips to Actively Support the Trans Community

You don’t have to scour the internet to learn that trans and nonbinary people need our support more than ever, and by “our” I mean support from cis people in the LGBQ community. I know it can often feel like we can’t do anything substantial.  I know many of us feel overwhelmed and powerless right now, twiddling our thumbs while watching the news. But there are absolutely ways—both big and small—to support and uplift the trans community. 

To learn more about how cis gays/bi/queers can support the trans community, I reached out to Dean Spade, author of LOVE IN A FCKED-UP WORLD: How to Build Relationships, Hook Up, and Raise Hell Together, and transgender activist Ben Greene, creator of the Good Queer News newsletter. Here are their tips for better cis allyship. 

1. Disrupt and oppose transphobia in your immediate environment. 

“Every place we can fight against [transphobia] matters—protesting against anti-trans rallies, speakers, policies—and even just disagreeing in conversations with co-workers, friends, and family who are being influenced by anti-trans propaganda,” Spade said. Creating a culture of refusal is essential to preventing transphobia as a growing norm.

‍2. Challenge your friends when you hear transphobic jokes or comments.

“As a trusted friend, your intervention means much more than pushback coming from a stranger,” Greene said. Find a comfortable way to ask your friend to explain what they meant, or to share that you were surprised to hear they felt that way. “Sometimes people may be uncomfortable, annoyed, or unhappy with you challenging them, but remember: If you’re trying to be my ally and the stones thrown at me aren’t hitting you, you aren’t standing close enough,” Greene said. “We don’t show up because we want to be universally loved. We do it because we want to make a difference!”  

3. Defend queer and trans spaces. 

“Queer and trans bars, beaches and other spaces are facing more police harassment and vigilante violence,” Spade said. “Now is the time to think about how we can defend these spaces by making a stink about police harassment and preparing to defend ourselves and each other. Organizing and participating in queer and trans self-defense classes in your community now is important,” Spade added.

4. Lean into your strengths.

Often when folks look to “get involved” with the fight for queer rights, they tend to start from square one. The reality is, you already have skills, talents, passions, and hobbies, many of which can be put to use driving change. “Use project management skills to help a small nonprofit; use artistic skills to create art that moves people; use communication skills to testify at the state house; use cooking skills to feed folks coming home from a long rally,” Greene said.