This article was originally published by QNews. You can find the original article here.
How can I be a trans ally? Advocate and proud trans woman Michelle Sheppard shares ways to show your support amidst the current climate.
Small efforts can go a long way in making our trans and gender-diverse community feel seen, respected and acknowledged.
Four more years of transphobia and misinformation have begun overseas, and we know how that emboldens the same attitudes on our shores.
Advocate and proud trans woman Michelle Sheppard shared with QNews some things you can do to make a difference.
She shares ways you can support your TDG Community, family and friends amidst the fear and anxiety on the horizon.
Listening and learning.
Take the time to listen to trans voices and stories.
To really educate yourself about trans experiences and to understand the challenges we go and are going through.
It’s important to understand and see our triumphs.
This will help you to understand our perspective and avoid relying on stereotypes or assumptions you see online.
With changes to rules on social media, this is important.
Use inclusive language as best you can.
For some, it is an area that can be a changing landscape.
Even as a trans woman, I can get it wrong, but if you understand and respect someone’s name and pronouns, then it’s just about shifting your focus.
And then apologising briefly and moving forward if you make a mistake.
Challenging misinformation and transphobia.
Whether comments, jokes or policies, speaking out against misinformation plays a powerful role in challenging biases and ignorance.
But you also need to understand that you can’t always move people.
Some purposely dig their feet in to ramp up their fight,
But you can still advocate for equality by supporting policies and initiatives that promote trans inclusion and equality.
This can be around healthcare, employment practices or safe spaces for trans people.
Be visible and vocal.
Understand that your visibility and support send a message, and that is something we need to see from the wider LGBTQIA+ community right now.
Then we don’t feel alone.
Wear a pin, attend a rally, share educational content, and donate to trans organisations.
Education is crucial
We need you to stay informed.
Finding and sharing the channels for information yourself so we don’t have to keep telling or updating you.
Misunderstanding and misinformation often drive prejudice, arming yourself with knowledge fights that.
Learn about gender diversity so you can have an understanding of the barriers we face daily.
And show up.
Whether for a panel, rally, event, or space, show your support.
Having spaces for people just to show up, be themselves and be together is everything.
A sense of community is more important than what’s going on in someone’s pants.
Check in.
I’m not used to needing to rely on someone’s shoulder.
But living your authentic life can sometimes feel quite isolating and alone.
If you’re going to check in and offer support, be genuine about it.
Even simple gestures can make a big difference. We also need you to stay committed.
Allyship isn’t just a one-time action; it’s like an ongoing commitment.
If you need support, help is available from QLife at 1800 184 527 or online at QLife.org.au, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.
