How to Stand with the Trans Community

Leaders, if you aren’t visibly supporting the LGBTQIA2S+ community right now, you’re most likely causing harm.

Non-trans folks, you’re hurting my heart. It’s time to stop acting as though the rights of transgender people have nothing or little to do with you. If you think these equity issues don’t impact you, I would like to gently suggest that you’re probably underestimating the number of people in your organization or institution who are gender expansive or who love someone who is gender expansive.

It's not your trans and nonbinary employees' responsibility to educate others about how to address gender issues in your organization. And remember, all DEI issues impact trans and queer communities. Transgender people with multiple marginalized identities face higher levels of stress, discrimination, and violence. Black trans people, for example, are disproportionately vulnerable to racism and misogyny.

If you’ve read this far, thank you. Here are 6 ways you can stand with the community, especially trans folx, during these difficult times:

📍Hire trans, nonbinary, and gender expansive people! According to the 2023 KFF/Washington Post Trans Survey, the share of trans adults who are unemployed is nearly double that of non-trans adults.
📍Protect and support the rights of people of all gender identities and expressions, including team members with trans children or family members.
📍Call people by the names and pronouns they use. Nearly half of trans folx use they/them pronouns, sometimes along with other pronouns.
📍If you make a mistake, take responsibility. Apologize without centering yourself and take steps to repair the harm you've caused.
📍Create systems that foster inclusion and specifically address the challenges that *your* trans and nonbinary employees (or students) face. Remember, every trans person’s journey is unique.
📍Hire transgender and nonbinary speakers and consultants to bring these important conversations to your team!

Image credit: https://www.bhjustice.org/blog/more-than-visibility-standing-up-for-transgender-rights/