Transgender Awareness Week - Uplift Trans Voices

By Daniel Itai

As the world marks Transgender Awareness Week from the 13th to the 19th of November, 2022 It Gets Better Canada, a 2SLGBTQIA+ lobby group has shared some ways which individuals can help to increase Trans awareness and visibility.

According to It Gets Better Canada, visibility and awareness are some of the most powerful tools in challenging transphobia, nurturing diversity, and building the Trans community.

“While the past few years have been especially challenging for the transgender community, they have also marked huge strides in transgender representation and awareness. Whether it be on television screens, election ballots, or in classrooms, more transgender and gender diverse people are proudly visible than ever before.

Trans identities can fall inside or outside the gender binary, with many non-binary people identifying as transgender. By recognizing, supporting, and honouring the Trans community we can continue to make strides towards a better world not only for transgender and gender diverse people, but for everyone.

Storytelling is a powerful mode in which to express and share with one another. We learn about the world through the stories we hear. At It Gets Better Canada, storytelling is integral in our mission to support and uplift 2SLGBTQIA+ youth and Trans stories, in particular, provide authentic and expansive representations of lives, loves, and ways of being.

The stories of transgender people and communities can also bring light to the social and systemic barriers that Trans and gender diverse people continue to face as well as to build awareness and expand our cultural narratives by sharing individual stories or amplifying the stories of Trans and non-binary people,” read a statement from It Gets Better Canada.

In addition, It Gets Better Canada also cited Trans allyship as another useful tool of raising awareness and visibility.

“Trans allyship means actively supporting and uplifting transgender people and communities. If you are having trouble knowing where to start or looking to brush up on your skills, these are some of the tips for advancing Trans allyship:

Do your research

Don’t rely just on your transgender friends, family members, or co-workers to educate you. Use books, blogs, social media, and websites to educate yourself on issues, terminology, and experiences relevant to transgender communities.

Listen to transgender voices

Center the voices of transgender and gender diverse people in your allyship. Transgender people are the experts on their own experiences and each person’s experiences are unique. Remember, one narrative doesn’t fit all.

Understand the intersection of issues

Gender, race, sexuality, disability and other personal characteristics intersect and overlap in ways that affect how people experience the world. Racism, xenophobia, and misogyny compound the issues of gender discrimination faced by Trans women and Trans people of colour. Recognizing the diversity of transgender people’s experiences ensures that no one is left behind in the fight for justice and equality for Trans and gender diverse people.

Normalize sharing pronouns

Introducing yourself with your pronouns helps to create an inclusive environment and challenge the idea that gender identity can be assumed by appearances. Include your pronouns in verbal introductions, social media profiles, bios, name tags, and email signatures.

Be mindful of language

Much of our everyday language is unnecessarily gendered. Avoid using terms and phrases like “ladies and gentlemen” or “boys and girls” which reinforce the gender binary and exclude non-binary people. Instead try using inclusive terminology like “folks” or “friends”.

Challenge transphobic remarks or jokes

Speak up when you hear transphobic language, remarks and jokes, even when they come from other queer people. Interrupt the behavior and, if you can, educate others on why their words were inappropriate or hurtful. By speaking up you can spread awareness and encourage others to speak up as well,” added a statement from It Gets Better Canada.