HOW TO BE A TRANSGENDER ALLY

excerpted from the Queer Student Commission’s 11/18 newsletter
Respect the terminology a transgender person uses to describe their identity. Don’t ask about a transgender person’s genitals, surgical status, or sex life.Avoid backhanded compliments and “helpful” tips. While you may intend to be supportive, comments like the following can be hurtful or even insulting: “I would have never known you were transgender. You look so pretty.” “You look just like a real woman.” “She’s so gorgeous, I would have never guessed she was transgender.” “He’s so hot. I’d date him even though he’s transgender.” “You’re so brave.”
Challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes in public spaces, including LGB spaces. You may hear anti-transgender comments from anti-LGBTQ activists, but you may also hear them from LGB people. Someone may think that because they’re gay, it’s ok for them to use certain words or tell jokes about transgender people. It’s important to challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes whenever they’re said and no matter who says them.
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