Kevin Ponce Discusses How To Support The Trans Community Everyday

V’s Social Media Manager speaks about the importance of International Transgender Day of Visibility and the actions needed to create a safe space for the community.

  • Author: Kevin Ponce

Some may be asking why there needs to be a day where we spotlight Trans people. The answer is quite simple: it’s because our existence is still not being recognized. It’s because our rights are still being taken away as we speak and yes, I’m looking at you Arkansas. With the recently proposed bill from Arkansas titled HB1570, which aims to ban Trans people from receiving gender-affirming care that they deserve and would potentially criminalize doctors for providing medical care, I can say that our community is tired. Tired of the belittlement in regards to our place in society and the constant disregard for our mental, physical and emotional health. Tired of all of these methods to stigmatize and further marginalize trans folks across our very nation through the use of the law. So today, we must acknowledge all the shortcomings of our society and highlight methods and actions that should be implemented to create a safe place for our community everywhere and it starts with you. Ask yourself, “What can I do to be an ally and support the Trans community?” Then, ask your peers what they are doing to help protect, support, and champion the community. It is only from here that we can help establish a better environment for our Trans peers. There’s a reason why V spotlights our community. There’s a reason why I am here, in the position I’m in today. TRANS PEOPLE DESERVE VISIBILITY. Whether you’re out or not, feel passable or not, feel like you’re not masc or fem enough, I see you. V sees you. The world sees you—today and always.

Below, you’ll find a list of some things you can do on International Transgender Day of Visibility (and every day!) to be our ally and further create a safer environment for us all:

Learn Proper Names & Pronouns

It’s an obvious one but it’s important to point out. Oftentimes, names and pronouns are overlooked based on physical appearance and that is not okay. Always ask everyone you meet what their name is and their preferred pronouns! It is a MUST in order to make them feel comfortable!

 

Don’t Ask Inappropriate Questions

If you wouldn’t do this to your cis friends, don’t ask your Trans friends.

Avoid questions about body, genitals, medical history, plans for procedures, their previous names, or any invasive question in general.

 

Don’t Out Them

It’s not your information to tell! Refrain from sharing anyone’s story as it could be detrimental to their well-being (mentally and physically!). It could create a harmful environment for them.

Take Action For Trans Folks Now

Tell Arkansas Governor Hutchinson to veto HB 1570 now! Call, email, share:

Phone: 501-682-2345

Email: [email protected]

 

Put Your Pronouns In Your Bio

Whether it’s on Instagram, your email signature, Zoom handle—sharing your pronouns helps create a safe space for trans and gender non-conforming folks to share our pronouns and be gendered accurately.

 

Educate Yourself & Others

If you can stare at TikTok for hours on end, you can educate yourself properly from a variety of networks that help support and teach people about the community. Below are just a few that you can browse through and even donate to:

Human Rights Campaign

TransTech Social Enterprises: This provides education, networking opportunities, and jobs to economically empower Trans people.

The TransLatin@ Coalition: This supports transgender and gender nonconforming and intersex (TGI) immigrants in the United States.

The Marsha P. Johnson Institute: This works to raise awareness and protect the rights of Black Trans people.

DONATE HERE! 

 

#TransRightsAreHumanRights #TransIsBeautiful #ProtectTransKids

Discover More