The term ‘transgender’, or more commonly known as ‘trans’, is an umbrella term used to describe a person whose gender identity is not the same as the sex they were assigned at birth. Trans may also include non-binary people who do not fall into the binary categories of man/woman or male/female. Non-binary people may feel they are not exclusively male or female and may embody elements of both. Being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation. A trans person can be gay, straight, bisexual, lesbian or any other sexual orientation. You cannot tell if a person is trans just by looking at them; trans people do not look a certain way or come from any one background.
Transgender awareness is vital for fostering a more inclusive and equitable society where all individuals are respected and valued for who they are. It helps to educate the wider community about transgender and gender non-conforming people, challenging harmful stereotypes and misconceptions that can lead to discrimination and violence. By raising awareness, we can promote understanding, acceptance, and support for transgender individuals, ultimately contributing to their better mental health and well-being.
Now more than ever, our transgender and non-binary community members need to feel seen, supported, and safe as they go through their daily lives. It may not always be easy to know how to best show up as an ally, and you may often wonder if or wish that there was more you could do. Being open to learning and having a desire to create change are two of the most important components of your allyship. If you’re here, you’re already on the right track. Click the Resources link at the top to learn more!