An estimated 1.4 million Americans identify as transgender, and now, a new Department of Health and Human Services memo obtained by the New York Times is threatening to define gender by the sex listed on a person's original birth certificate rather than how each individual identifies.
"The sex listed on a person’s birth certificate, as originally issued, shall constitute definitive proof of a person’s sex unless rebutted by reliable genetic evidence," the memo states, suggesting that the Trump administration is preparing to roll back Obama-era protections — and even basic recognition — of transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people under federal civil rights law.
It's easy to feel helpless as this administration continually turns their back on our loved ones, but it's also easier than you may think to stand in solidarity with transgender, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming folks who are (and have been) fighting for their rights, their lives, and their futures. Being an ally means centering their voices and doing what you can to support them. Here are a few ways to get started.
1. Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
Not all of us have extra income to donate, but if you do, there are quite a few great organizations working to support transgender folks that could use some of your dough.
The Sylvia Rivera Law project, named after transgender activist Sylvia Rivera, is an organization that seeks freedom of gender expression for all, regardless of income, class, race, or other factors. Their mission, per their website, is to "increase the political voice and visibility of low-income people and people of color who are transgender, intersex, or gender non-conforming. SRLP works to improve access to respectful and affirming social, health, and legal services for our communities." Read more here.
The Anti-Violence Project "empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities and allies to end all forms of violence through organizing and education, and supports survivors through counseling and advocacy." You can find out more and make a donation through their website.
The Trans Relief Project provides monetary assistance and education to transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals who need help changing names and gender designate on legal documents such as US passports and driver's licenses. You can read more about their mission and donate here.
Trans Lifeline is a hotline run by transgender people, for transgender people. The hotline runs on contributions and is primarily for those in crisis. Read more and donate here.
2. Show Up IRL to Oppose the Memo
There are multiple organizations coordinating rallies to protest this memo already, and you can either show up in person or show your support online. One of these rallies, Hell No to the Memo: A Community Rally in Support of Trans & GNC Rights, will be taking place in New York City on the evening of Sunday, October 21. The rally is coordinated by Voices4 and Lambda Legal, which works to defend the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people through litigation and public policy work.
Then, on Monday, the National Center for Transgender Equality is organizing a rally for trans rights at the White House to give the Trump administration a close-up look at the opposition to this memo.
NYC come out in support of your trans friends, family and neighbors. #TransRightsAreHumanRights #TransIsBeautiful https://t.co/ppK4FBWzY0
— Laverne Cox (@Lavernecox) October 21, 2018
While plenty of activists and celebrities tweet about these rallies and others, you don't have to be famous to help spread the word. You can still show your support through retweets and spreading the message on other platforms, and you can also inquire about actions that may be coming together in your area. There are also great online tools (like this map to help you find them; this event calendar for folks who live in New York City) that make planning out a protest schedule easy.
3. Call Your Representatives and Vote on November 6
If you're not able to attend a rally, you still make your voice heard. If your representative supported the Obama administration's loosening of the legal concept of gender, tell them you support them and their fight against these proposed changes. If your rep is in favor of the memo, tell them you oppose their view and why. Here's how to find your representatives. You can also call voters whose reps are likely to align with the administration's maneuvers and encourage them to put the pressure on the people they elected to serve them.
And of course, vote in the midterm elections on November 6 for candidates who have a record of supporting the rights of LGBTQ+ people. If you can, volunteer for their campaigns in the remaining weeks leading up to the election.
4. Signal-Boost Helpful Resources
GLAAD has created a fantastic list of resources for transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people in crisis. It's linked here, and here are some other important numbers to keep on hand:
The National Suicide Prevention Line at 800-273-TALK (8255)
The Trevor Project at 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386)
Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860.
For international folks, check out The Trevor Project's list of global resources here.
5. Volunteer With Some Great Organizations
If you're looking to show up for trans people in person, here are a few organizations you can contact to ask about their needs:
The Trevor Project has a great map with places to volunteer across the country. Check it out and find a place to show up and volunteer in your state.
The Center has been doing great work in New York City since 1983. You can volunteer with them to do a number of things, no matter where your skills lie. Check out their full listing of opportunities here.
For those of you living in the Pacific Northwest, check out the TransActive Gender Center. They look to "empower transgender and gender diverse children, youth and their families in living healthy lives, free of discrimination." Check them out here.
No matter what you care about or where you live, Volunteer Match can help you find a way to help. Check out their listings and get to work.
6. Learn to Be a Better Ally
GLAAD has also created a great list of things to keep in mind for allies, including but not limited to respecting the terminology a transgender person uses to describe themselves and their identity; not making assumptions about a transgender person's sexual orientation; not asking a transgender person what their "real name" is; and more.
Trans, nonbinary, and GNC people don't have "preferred" pronouns, they have pronouns — they're non-negotiable. If you need a little help getting it right, this doc includes gender-neutral swaps for typically gendered terms, like "sibling" instead of "brother" or "sister." Check it out.
This list is not exhaustive — don't hesitate to do your own research on ways to help, and remember above all to listen to members of the LGBTQ+ community. Allyship isn't a static identity: It's a lifelong process of working in solidarity with marginalized individuals and communities. And it's a process that can start right now.
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