Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Dating

10 Simple But Impactful ways you can support the trans people in your life

5. Ask questions, don't assume!

Ciara Gazaway

Jul 30, 2018

LGBTQ+ at Odyssey

237

10 Simple But Impactful ways you can support the trans people in your life

https://www.instagram.com/palmer_fivevi/?hl=en

Disclaimer: I am not trans.

I do not know what it is like to be trans and I never will. But a handful of people who I am close to are and this article was inspired by them! Also, my boyfriend (who is trans) helped me write this! Here are 10 easy things you can do to support your trans family, friends, and partners!

1. Use correct pronouns!

Yes, it might be an adjustment, but this is such an easy way to support the trans people in your life! Pronouns are so validating for someone who is trans and working to start new, correct habits will make your trans friend very happy!

2. Educate yourself!

Trans issues and topics are new and ever-changing. Take some time to do a little research and educate yourself on these issues. Also, just being aware of the basics is very helpful.

3. Know that not all trans people are the same or are going through the same issues

Every single trans person is different and all of their transitions will not look the same. Do not think you know everything about what it is like to be trans just because you know one trans person. Every trans person is having their own unique experience and transition so don't compare people just because they have being trans in common.

4. Be aware of gender-neutral restrooms

If you notice that a certain restaurant or store has gender-neutral restrooms, make a mental note! This can be helpful if you are ever out with a trans friend! However, some trans people don't mind using "male" or "female" restrooms. But for those who do or feel safer in them, this will help them out a lot!

5. Ask questions, don't assume!

Just ask! One thing I've learned from dating a trans person and also being friends with trans people is that they would rather you just ask than say the wrong thing, assume, or keep quiet. As long as you are respectful, most trans people won't mind answering your questions. (But you should probably do #2 before you ask something that can easily be googled.)

6. USE CORRECT PRONOUNS

Adding this again because it is that easy and that simple. PRONOUNS ARE IMPORTANT and they make a world of difference.

7. Be aware of the language you use

This not only goes for when you're around trans people but everywhere you go. Be aware of the words you're using and how they might make someone who is trans feel. Words and phrases like "dude," "guys," "suck my dick," "ladies and gents," etc. can be very triggering to some trans people so please be aware of that!

8. Support them publicly and silently

Don't be afraid to stand up for you trans friends. If you can't do that, you don't deserve to be their friend. But also know that not every conversation has to be about their gender identity. They are human just like everyone else.

9. Make sure you include trans people when talking about important issues.

Stop excluding trans men from the topics of birth control and abortions. Stop excluding trans women from the topics of feminism and sexism. STOP EXCLUDING TRANS PEOPLE WHEN TALKING ABOUT RAPE AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT/ASSAULT. Stop assuming that only girls can be on their period. Trans people deserve to have their issues validated and voice's heard.

10. Love them

They need your love and support-so give it as much as you can!

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Lifestyle

Cool Off with These 8 Beers!

North Carolina State University

1297

Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:

Keep Reading...Show less

beer

Recommended for you

10 Simple But Impactful ways you can support the trans people in your life

5. Ask questions, don't assume!

1. Use correct pronouns!

2. Educate yourself!

3. Know that not all trans people are the same or are going through the same issues

4. Be aware of gender-neutral restrooms

5. Ask questions, don't assume!

6. USE CORRECT PRONOUNS

7. Be aware of the language you use

8. Support them publicly and silently

9. Make sure you include trans people when talking about important issues.

10. Love them

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Appreciation for some of life's most discredited pleasures.

1. Sun showers

2. Smiles

3. Tight hugs

4. Discovering new foods you like.

5. Laying in bed after a long day.

6. And being completely relaxed

7. "This reminded me of you"

8. Breakfast foods

9. Over-sized clothes

10. Contagious laughs

11. Car rides with that one person

12. Random (I miss you/ I love you) texts

13. The city at night

14. Surprises

15. Blanket cocoons

16. Good hair days

17. Really good coffee

18. Days where you're in a good mood naturally and for no particular reason

19. Conquering a fear

20. When they give you a lot of guac at Chipotle

21. Being so comfortable with someone that you can literally talk about anything

22. Home-cooked meals

23. Tattoo stories

24. Leaves changing color in fall

25. Butterflies in your stomach

26. Peanut butter & jelly sandwiches

27. When you can't stop laughing

Cool Off with These 8 Beers!

Coors Light Summer Brew:

Leinenkugel Summer Shandy

Leinenkugel Sunset Wheat

Want to know more about beer?

Sam Adams Summer Ale

Hell or High Watermelon

Blue Moon Summer Honey

LandShark Lager

Corona

75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?

Perfect Weather

You'll get an effortless tan

You can exercise with a view

You don't have to worry about bug bites

In n Out all day, every day

We have outdoor concerts

We live where people vacation

Because let's be honest, we all use lyrics.

1. “Don’t get too close, it’s dark inside. It's where my demons hide.”

2. “Tonight, we are young.”

3. “Cuz I may be bad, but I’m perfectly good at it.”

4. “Tell me how they got that pretty little face on that pretty little frame.”

5. “I can’t wait to fall in love with you, you can’t wait to fall in love with me.”

6. “Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin with no makeup on.”

7. “Why you so obsessed with me?”

8. “We ain’t ever getting older.”

9. “I didn’t know that I was starving until I tasted you.”

10. “Didn’t they tell you I’m a savage?"

11. “I’m gonna make you miss me.”

12. "Cheers to the freakin weekend.”

13. “Love’s a game. Wanna play?”

14. “You don’t know about me, but I bet you want to.”

15. “Let’s set each other’s lonely nights, Be each other’s paradise.”

16. “Trippin’ on skies, sippin’ waterfalls."

17. “Wish we could turn back time, to the good old days.”

18. “But you will remember me for centuries.”

19. “Something about you makes me feel like a dangerous woman."

Subscribe to our
Newsletter

1. "Talk about a dream
Try to make it real
You wake up in the night
With a fear so real
Spend your life waiting
For a moment that just don't come
Well don't waste your time waiting." (Badlands)