Practical ways to support trans rights
Trans people’s rights are under attack, all over the world.
Violent anti-trans rhetoric is on the rise, alongside laws targeting trans people’s most basic rights like safety and healthcare.
It’s never been more important to advocate for trans people’s rights.
How your organisation can show support
1. AFFIRM THAT TRANS RIGHTS ARE HUMAN RIGHTS
It doesn’t matter whether you’re part of a huge multinational company, or a tiny grassroots collective.
It’s on all of us to speak out.
Because whatever we do, our rights and our missions are interconnected.
If we care about inclusion, we need to make our inclusion intersectional.
“There is no such thing as a single-issue struggle, because we do not live single-issue lives.” – Audre Lorde.
2. SHOW VISIBLE SUPPORT
Make your commitment to trans rights, and make it public.
You could publish a statement of support and solidarity with trans-focused charities, and trans people everywhere.
Clearly outline what you’re doing to tackle anti-trans discrimination and advocate for trans rights.
On social media, you can join Trans In The City and other organisations and individuals as they proudly declare #IStandWithTrans.
3. CALL FOR POLICY CHANGE
One crucial way to support trans rights in the UK is to advocate for changes to discriminatory laws and policies.
For example, the Gender Recognition Act (GRA) in the UK is outdated. It makes it incredibly difficult for trans people to have their gender legally recognised.
We can all call for reform to the GRA, and other policies that harm trans people, from healthcare to sports and beyond.
If you work for a charity, you’ll need to check to make sure you’re following the latest Campaigning and political guidance.
4. RESPECT TRANS LEADERSHIP
Read trans people’s books.
Respect trans people’s expertise.
Cite trans activists and researchers.
Hire, promote, and support trans staff, and staff of marginalised genders.
That includes the ones you don’t know about.
It’s likely there are many people of marginalised genders in the team, however big or small it is.
They just may not be “out.”
So try to provide support and trans-inclusive policies, even if you think there are no trans, non-binary or gender non-conforming people in the team.
In the current hostile environment, many people will never come out at work. But we can still design more inclusive and safe workplaces - from adoption leave to flexible work from home policies - without needing to know everyone’s gender identity.
5. SUPPORT TRANS-LED ORGANISATIONS
You can be a trans ally and champion, whatever your gender.
But trans and gender diverse people must have the power to lead, setting the agenda on the issues that affect them most.
There are some amazing trans-led organisations below (although it’s not an exhaustive list; there are countless more that deserve your time and support!).
You could tag them on social media, celebrate their good work, come to their support if they’re getting unfair criticism online, partner with them, or even share resources with them if you can
Organisations advocating for trans rights
KALEIDOSCOPE TRUST
Kaleidoscope Trust fights for the human rights of LGBTQ+ people across the Commonwealth.
In their words, they “fund, fight for, and empower those upholding the human rights of LGBT+ people by working with governments, change-makers and civil society organisations to effect meaningful and lasting change in the lives of LGBT+ people everywhere.”
You can donate to Kaleidoscope Trust, or learn more about Kaleidoscope Trust’s work.
MERMAIDS
Mermaids supports trans and gender diverse children and their families.
They provide local community groups, secure online communities, helpline services, events, and resources, to make sure trans, non-binary, and gender nonconforming young people get the care and support they need.
Like so many organisations working with and for gender diverse people – and especially young people – Mermaids has been the target of pronounced anti-trans hostility and abuse in recent years.
Donate to support Mermaids’ work all year round.
On 1 May 2023 (the day after Trans Day of Visibility) they’ll launch their ‘Miles for Mermaids’ fundraising challenge. It lasts from 1 – 31 May. Supporters can choose between a 25, 50, or 100-mile challenges, and complete the distance throughout the month.
GENDERED INTELLIGENCE
Gendered Intelligence works to increase understanding of gender diversity and improve the lives of trans people.
A trans-led and trans-involving grassroots organisation, Gendered Intelligence provides training, consultancy, youth groups, trips, mentoring, and a support line.
You can donate to Gendered Intelligence.
TRANS RESCUE
Trans Rescue helps trans people move from countries, regions, or situations where they’re in danger to those where they are safe.
“We believe that every trans person’s life is valuable” – Trans Rescue.
They bring people to safety through conventional carriers. “In the end, people fly or ride a train to safety” they write. “We are not people smugglers and don’t forge passports or put people in the back of trucks. We operate under the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees.”
On average, it costs Trans Rescue around £2,200 to rescue one person. This incredible charity does its work primarily with volunteer support.
You can donate to help Trans Rescue, and save the lives of trans people in danger.
STONEWALL
Stonewall exists for lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, questioning, and ace (asexual) people everywhere.
“We imagine a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free to be ourselves and can live our lives to the full” – Stonewall.
Stonewall’s Trans Hub is full of joyful and powerful celebrations of trans and non-binary people.
You can support one of Stonewall’s vital campaigns, fundraise for Stonewall, or donate directly to Stonewall.
GENDER IDENTITY RESEARCH AND EDUCATION SOCIETY
Gender Identity Research and Education Society (GIRES) is a UK-wide, volunteer-led charity that upholds the rights of people who don’t fit into “the typical boy/girl, man/woman tick boxes.”
You can fundraise for GIRES, or donate directly on their website.
Take action all year round
New campaigns, media stories and hashtags make it easy to pay attention during specific awareness days or months, like LGBTQIA+ History Month or Pride Month.
After International Trans Day of Visibility is over, the fight for trans rights will be far from over.
So, let’s keep our energy and commitment going, not just today but every day.