I am an ally. I have wondered what to do in order to be active in my support. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far. I’m active on social media in defense of trans people, and I share information that I get so that more will know. I am active in local events, even though there are few. And I am supportive of trans people in real life even though I know few. Opportunities to be loud and supportive are not common because this problem is off most people’s radar. It was off mine. So I guess putting it on the radar would be another way of saying this.

Another thing you can do, even if you’re at a distance, is help financially. Many trans kids especially are in dire need of support. There are starting to be trans fundraisers, and there are plenty of people on social media who are asking for help. Are there scammers? Probably. I think that you can make a decision after you know someone a little bit. Which gets us back to putting it on the radar.

If you are an ally, be ready for it to take some time for trust to build up. There are plenty of people trying to take advantage of trans people, so suspicion and wariness are very common. I suggest you start with the following thought at the forefront of your mind. Trans people are people, they just want to live their lives in peace like everyone else. They want to be treated like everyone else. And you know what? They are just like everyone else.