Being an Ally to Transgender and Intersex Folks

Becoming an Ally to Transgender and Intersex People

Challenge your own conceptions about gender-appropriate roles and behavior
Ask for the person's Preferred Gender Pronoun or PGP
Proactively gender trans people to establish pronouns, particularly in introductions
Intervene in misgendering
Advocate for more inclusive, non-sex segregated spaces
Educate yourself and pass on this knowledge to others
Challenge gender assumptions in the classroom and around campus
Recognize your privilege & prejudices as a normatively gendered person.
Do listen if a transperson chooses to talk to you about their gender identity. Be honest about things you don’t understand—don’t try to fake it!
Don’t assume all transpeople want hormones and/or surgery, or to transition at all.
Attend QRC events!
Attend a QRC Ally training to receive an Ally placard to hang in your room or office.

Strangers do not ask me what my “real name” (birth name) is and then assume they have a right to call me by that name.
People do not disrespect me by using incorrect pronouns even after they’ve been corrected.
I do not have to worry about whether I will be able to find a bathroom to use or whether I will be safe changing in a locker room.
Strangers don’t assume they can ask me what my genitals look like and how I have sex.
If I end up in the emergency room, I do not have to worry that my gender will keep me from receiving appropriate treatment, nor will all of my medical issues be seen as a product of my gender.

Adapted from: California State University Safe Zone Ally Handbook.