Trans+ Allyship is Fundamental

The current landscape of LGBTQIA+ rights is in crisis right now, and one thing that can help is allies. It seems very simple to say, but we need allies to be critical in their thinking and actions right now.

What I mean by that, is to really evaluate what is happening to trans+ people now, to connect it with our history, to see what is at stake here. There is no doubting that allies can see how much we as a community are struggling, hurting, and how scared we are right now. 

However, allies need to understand that this isn’t just an issue to be born by trans+ people alone.

Allies need to see that trans+ people are the face of hatred, but in reality this affects all marginalised people. As an ally, if you are anything but a cis-white man, then this is your fight too. It’s moving beyond ‘they’ve come for us, you’ll be next’ and realising that everyone loses in a society that prioritises identity politics.

Therefore, the time for passive allyship is over.

We need trans+ allies to consider action, to be proactive in how you show up for us. Think about how you can stand up for trans+ people every day;

Write to your MP about trans people

Shut down any transphobia you encounter

Stop the spread of fake news and mistruths 

Educate yourself effectively and then share that with others 

Put yourself in our shoes, and really think how you would want to be supported. 

Trans+ people have never needed you more, allyship is not just an option, it is a fundamental act we need now more than ever.