View Transphobia Social Action Card.
An irrational dislike, fear or hatred of transgender people or people who are perceived as not meeting society’s expectations around gender roles, appearance or behaviour. Transphobia is expressed through beliefs and actions that are discriminatory, demeaning or violent towards trans people.
What is Gender Identity?
Gender identity is a person’s internal and individual experience of their gender, such as an internal sense of being a woman, man, both, neither or another gender entirely. Everyone has a gender identity and expresses their gender identity in different ways.
Gender-Neutral Pronouns
These are not the only Pronouns
- She
- He
- His
- Hers
There are also Gender-Neutral Pronouns
- They
- Them
- Their
- Ze
- Zie
- Sie
- Hir
Example: "I saw Lauren come to work today and they/ze seemed really happy. I wonder if it has anything to do with their weekend."
4 Ways to be an Effective Trans Ally
1
Use the Right Pronoun
If you’re unsure of someone’s pronoun, be attentive to how others refer to this person. If you’re concerned that people might be using the incorrect pronoun, politely and privately ask what pronoun is preferred.
2
Listen
Experiences of transphobia can often be dismissed. Listen to and affirm the experiences of trans people.
3
Apologize
Everyone makes mistakes. Acknowledge the wrong, apologize and move on. It isn’t always about your intent, but about the impact.
4
Do Your Homework
Educate yourself on the issues facing trans communities. And remember to make ally a verb. Being an ally is about making change with and for the trans community.
Source: The 519