I Believe In...
Now, more than ever, we need to do better to support trans-identified individuals and their families through the coming out process, employment, schools, and health care.
Supporting and believing in an individual who is trans-identified can be displayed in so many ways. You can display it by respecting the trans-identified indivdiausl, seek out to better educate yourself on the community, by standing up against transphobia when you hear transphobic comments and/or actions made towards a trans-identified person, help build safe environments for trans-identified individuals. There is so much you can do - you just have to act!
When Someone Comes Out To You:
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When someone comes out to you, thank them for having enough trust to tell you. For personal experience this is NOT an easy step to do!
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Always respect the individuals confidentiality by asking if they are out to others and if they aren't DO NOT out them or pressure them to come out. This is done by the individual themselves!
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If the individual asks you to use their chosen name or pronouns different from their given name, USE THEM!
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Ask the individual if they have a support system in place from others, if not, discuss a safety option with them!
COMING SOON (New Article, December 2017)
When You Work with Students:
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Support, or advocate for, a GSA Student Organization in your school. (Research shows schools with GSAs see decreased levels of LGBTQ youth victimization.)
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Display symbols such as the I Support You card or Ally card to show you are a safe person, safe place.
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Have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and harassment that includes sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.
Speak up when you hear a student or faculty member make a homophobic or transphobic comment.
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Review your curriculums and assess if there are places where lessons on gender identity/expression can be added.
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Remove gendered language from your materials and when working with students. (For example: Instead of saying “boys and girls” say “students” “everyone” “folks”.)
Inclusive Campuses
Finding Trans-Inclusive College and University Campuses for Your Transgender Child, (New Article, December 2017)
Workplace Transitioning
COMING SOON (New Article, December 2017)
Human Resources and Managers Ways to Create More Inclusive Environments:
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Allow access to restrooms that align with a person’s gender identity.
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Changing an employees name badge, email or other identifying documents to reflect chosen, not legal, name. (Employees should be informed that payroll will have to reflect a person’s legal name).
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Support LGBTQ Resource Groups within a company.
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Review insurance policies to see if transition-related care is part of the included coverage. (Establishments that have added transition-related care to their policies have not seen an increase in expenses for the company or employees.)
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Organize gender diversity training for coworkers, managers and supervisors.
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Co-Workers When You Hear Someone Make an Inappropriate Statement:
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Inform the person that made the inappropriate statement that you were offended. (Use “I” statements)
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Provide the reason why you were offended and how it can be harmful to other people.
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If someone who is transgender heard the statements, check in with them privately to see how they are doing.
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If someone is being harassed, encourage them to speak with human resources or (if a student) a teacher or school counselor.
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COMING SOON (New Article, December 2017)
Healthcare Providers
COMING SOON (New Article, December 2017)
When You Have a Transgender Patient or Client:
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Listen to how the patient or client describes their identity and what they are seeking from you as a provider.
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Seek consultation or supervision if you feel you are in need of assistance to best serve your patient or client. TransLine is a free one-on-one medical consultative hotline sponsored through Project Health.
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Search for other providers in your area, both medical and mental health that work with transgender patients to create a broader circle of care and connection.
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Become of member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Healthcare (WPATH).
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