What Does It Mean to Be an Ally?

Being an ally means using your privilege to support, defend, and uplift trans and nonbinary individuals. Allies listen, learn, and take action to create safer, more inclusive environments.

It's about more than just acceptance, it's about advocacy, affirmation, and accountability.

What to Do and What Not to Do

When Someone Comes Out:

  • Do: Listen without judgment. Let them speak without interruption.
  • Do: Respect their name and pronouns immediately and consistently
  • Do: Ask how you can support them, and take direction from them.
  • Don't: Make it about you or share their identity without consent
  • Don't: Ask invasive questions about medical history or transition steps

    • Everyday Allyship:

  • Educate yourself through books, media, and verified resources
  • Speak out against transphobic jokes, laws, and discrimination
  • Support trans owned organizations and donate if you're able
  • Use inclusive language and correct others when they misgender someone

    • Activism and Taking Action

    Allyship includes standing up publicly for trans and nonbinary rights through organized and intentional activism. This doesn’t require being a professional activist—small, consistent actions add up.

  • Attend rallies and protests: Peaceful demonstrations bring visibility and pressure to institutions.
  • Support inclusive legislation: Contact your local representatives about trans rights bills, and vote in favor of policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Amplify trans voices: Share the work and experiences of trans creators, writers, and activists on social media and in your community.
  • Volunteer your time or skills: Help organizations that serve the trans community with logistics, tech, art, writing, and more.
  • Challenge discrimination: Speak up when you hear transphobic remarks or see exclusion happening, even in private spaces like family or workplace conversations.
  • Use your platform: Whether you’re a teacher, employer, student, or community member, work to make your environment inclusive through training, policy, or resource sharing.

    • Activism is a form of love in action. Whether loud or quiet, public or behind-the-scenes, your effort matters.

    Why Allyship Matters

    Allyship can be life saving. According to The Trevor Project, trans and nonbinary youth who reported having at least one accepting adult were 40% less likely to attempt suicide.

    Social support, affirmation, and inclusive environments significantly reduce the risk of anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Every action of support can be a building block toward safety and healing.

    Keep Learning and Growing

    Allyship is a journey, not a one time action. Commit to listening, growing, and amplifying trans voices. Mistakes happen, and when they do, apologize, learn, and do better.