Trans rights and trans lives are under threat. The trans community needs support and help from each and everyone one of us, now more than ever.
In the UK and the US in the last week, life threatening actions have been made against trans people.
Boris Johnson is scrapping plans for transgender people to self-identify as the opposite sex. The Evening Standard noted that the PM is also said to “be preparing new protections that would prevent people with male anatomy from using women-only spaces”.
Donald Trump is abolishing Obama’s regulation that defines gender as what you feel in your internal self. The Guardian stated that the Department of Health and Human Services in the US will be “returning to the government’s interpretation of sex discrimination according to the plain meaning of the word ‘sex’ as male or female and as determined by biology”.
Two black trans women, Riah Milton and Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, were murdered last week in the United States. Tony McDade, a black trans man was murdered by a white police officer in Florida. The Black Lives Matter movement means that trans people of colour are under even more pressure and they need support.
JK Rowling is rolling out trans-exclusionary tweets and stated: “I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn’t hate to speak the truth.” …But there is no “but”.
Don’t even get me started on Liz Truss.
The world seems to be regressing, turning against trans people. Trans rights are human rights and these human rights are being taken away.
With the world facing extreme adversity in the midst of a pandemic, war, revolution, and famine, this is not just a time of uncertainty, but one of fear. Most may feel physically isolated in our state of lockdown, but the trans community is being isolated further.
Candid Orange hopes to provide, our readers with a few tips on how to be a trans ally and provide support in these critical times. We all need to better ourselves through education. Trans lives are under threat and something must be done.
The tips we are going to share are only recommendations of how to be a better trans ally, as we are also still learning. These are just a few ideas that we hope will have a positive impact.
Peaceful protests
Show your support for the trans community by going to a peaceful protest. There are a number in the UK at the moment to get involved in. Make sure you take precautions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Bustle wrote an article called 10 Rules Cisgender Straight People Attending Pride Should Follow this is a great way to understand how you should act at the protests as well.
Write to your local MP
Various figures in the media and politics have posed potential threats to the trans community, and voices need to be heard.
Help by contacting your local MP and share your anger/aversion towards the way the trans community is being affected by the changes that the government are making. We will not be providing a template as noting personal experiences of how this is affecting you or people around you is often more powerful. If we act in the masses, people will listen.
Stay informed
Voices need to be heard, so we better all start shouting.
Pink News always remains dedicated to voicing LGBTQ news. Stay informed with any news possible and speak up if companies are ignoring important movements that hinder trans rights.
A few great informational channels are:
Accounts specifically for helping QTBIPOC:
The BBC’s “What not to say to trans people” video that is a great place to begin. This BBC three short depicts trans people reading out commonalities that others ask them, and they review the appropriateness of it. With the large amount of the questions being – to say the least – unwelcomed, this resource will help with understanding what is not acceptable to say to a trans person. *Content contains swearing*
Hello My name is Wednesday is the Instagram account of Wednesday, a non-binary British artist who provides striking artwork that explains many things LGBTQ. Wednesday is an advocate for trans rights and frequently posts information on how everyone can help.
What The Trans!? is a podcast from the highly entertaining Michelle O’Toole and Ashleight Talbot. They discuss UK trans news in an entertaining and insightful way.
Speak up when someone says something trans-phobic
Sadly, sometimes we meet individuals in life that do not quite understand that their words hurt. If someone is saying something transphobic, be an active ally by challenging the individual and pointing out that their words are unacceptable.
Ask about pronouns
Ask if you are unsure of someone’s pronouns and use gender inclusive language where possible. Small adjustments to language can make everyone feel more comfortable. Adding your pronouns to social media bios, or email signatures makes it easier for trans people to ask for their correct pronouns to be used.
Coronavirus as we know it, is the invisible enemy. During a time where everyone needs an ally, remember that some minorities of society may need one just that bit more. Clarity is key; no one should be left in the dark.
At Candid Orange we are also still learning. We are committed to engaging our platform with all voices. Please feel free to contact us with any advice, information, or discussion.
Contact us on Facebook or drop us an email.
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