International Transgender Day: 3 Ways to Be a Better Ally
International Transgender Day of Visibility is celebrated annually on March 31 to recognize the accomplishments and increase visibility of transgender people while raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide. This day is an opportunity to recognize the resilience and strength of transgender individuals and advocate for their equal rights and opportunities.
Transgender rights have been politicized with the new administration. As transgender activist Laverne Cox said recently on The View: 'Trans people are not the reason you can't afford eggs or healthcare or a house. You're focused on the wrong 1%.' Transgender people are a very small part of the population, yet there seems to be over interest in policing their human rights.
I interviewed Josephine Guckiean, a transgender woman who advocates for transgender inclusion and incident response manager at Deloitte, to get their ideas about how to be a better ally, personally and professionally on this day and beyond. If you or your organization are looking for ways to honor International Transgender Day of Visibility, consider these ideas:
According to Guckiean, "Allies are our biggest weapon against rhetoric that is being thrown towards us." To be an effective ally to transgender people, it is essential to educate yourself about their experiences, challenges and needs. Start by learning about the basics of transgender identity and terminology. Understand the difference between sex assigned at birth, gender identity and gender expression. The documentary Disclosure, the book The Savvy Ally and The Trevor Project are great resources for allies to learn more.
Once you have a basic understanding of the issues facing the transgender community, delve deeper into the experiences of transgender people. Read firsthand accounts like Josesphine's story, and follow transgender activists and influencers on social media. Pay attention to the specific challenges faced by transgender people, such as discrimination, violence, and lack of access to healthcare. By educating yourself, you can become a more informed and effective ally.
"The biggest thing allies can do is to amplify our voices. Educate yourself on the issues that we're facing. Help us correct the wrong messages that are being perpetuated," Guckiean shared. This means actively listening to their stories, sharing their perspectives and advocating for their rights. One way is to amplify the voices of the transgender community by sharing their articles, blog posts, and social media posts online and with your friends and family. Follow transgender activists, influencers and organizations, and get engaged in your local community. Suicide and violence are regrettably commonplace; be an ally and speak truth to power. By actively seeking out and amplifying transgender voices, you can help to create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
"The two bookends of the year for the trans community are Transgender Day of Visibility, which happens on March 31 of every year, and Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 of every year," Guckiean says. 'But don't limit your support and advocacy for the transgender community to a single day or month.'
Instead, create a year-round calendar of events, initiatives, and actions that promote visibility, education, and allyship. Other activities could include:
By maintaining a steady drumbeat of activities throughout the year, you can create a more sustainable and impactful approach to supporting the transgender community and advancing transgender rights. This consistent engagement helps to normalize transgender identities, build empathy and understanding, and create a world where all transgender people can live with dignity and respect.
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