Trans Allyship How to be a supportive ally for trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people Glossary of terms Cisgender A cisgender person is a person whose gender identity is aligned with the gender they were assigned at birth. Often shortened to “cis”. Cis is a latin prefix meaning “on the near side of” or “on this side.” Dead Name The birth name of a transgender person who has changed their name as part of their gender transition. Gender Dysphoria A clinical term used to describe the discomfort, sense of unease, or even distress that is caused by a discrepancy between a person’s gender as assigned at birth (including associated gender roles) and their gender identity. This sense of unease or distress may lead to depression and anxiety, and have a harmful impact on daily life. Gender Euphoria A powerful feeling of rightness, happiness, and comfort with one's body, gender identity and gender expression. Gender Expression External manifestations of gender, expressed through a person’s name, pronouns, clothing, haircut, voice, and/or behaviour. Typical society classifies these external cues as masculine and feminine, although what is considered masculine or feminine changes over time and varies by culture. Many transgender people seek to align their gender expression with their gender identity to resolve the incongruence between their knowledge of their own gender and how the world “sees” them. Transgender people may choose from a range of changes to express their gender, such as: ● Change of name and pronouns ● Presentation (e.g. hair, clothing, jewelry, mannerisms, voice, vocabulary) ● Anatomy and physiology, which can include hormones, or gender-affirming care to alleviate gender dysphoria or incongruence and increase body satisfaction through medically necessary interventions Gender Identity A person’s internal, deeply-held and individual experience of gender. A person’s sense of being a woman, a man, both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. A person’s gender identity may be the same as or different from gender assigned at birth. For example, a person may be assigned as female at birth and identify as a man, as a woman, or as non-binary. Some people may see their gender identity as fluid and moving between different genders at different times in their life. Since gender identity is internal, it is not possible to look at someone and “see” their gender identity. Intersex Intersex people are individuals born with any of several sex characteristics including chromosome patterns, gonads, or genitals that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies. Non-binary An adjective describing a person who does not identify exclusively as a man or a woman. A non-binary person may identify as being both a man and a woman, somewhere in between, or as falling completely outside these categories. While many also identify as transgender, not all non-binary people do. Non-binary can also be used as an umbrella term encompassing identities such as agender, bigender, genderqueer or gender-fluid. Personal Pronouns Used to refer to someone in the third person. Aside from he/him and she/her, other pronouns exist to describe a variety of gender identities. They/them, ze/zir, ey/em, xe/xem/xyr are some examples. Sexual Orientation Sexual orientation describes a person’s enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to another person. Like everyone else, transgender people have sexual orientations; they may be straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, asexual, etc. Transgender (Trans) An adjective to describe people whose gender identity differs from the gender they were assigned at birth. Some people may describe themselves using one or more of a wide variety of terms to describe their gender more specifically (androgyne, agender, gender fluid, gender non-conforming, genderqueer, non-binary, trans, trans man, trans woman, transfeminine, transmasculine, Two-Spirit, etc). Trans doesn’t stand for “transitioning.” It is a Latin prefix meaning "across,” "beyond," or "on the other side of.” Transitioning A series of processes that some transgender people may undergo in order to live more fully as their true gender. Transitioning may include social transition, such as changing name and pronouns; medical transition, which may include hormone therapy or gender-affirming surgeries; and legal transition, which may include changing the legal name and sex on government identity documents. Transgender people may choose to undergo some, all, or none of these processes. Two-Spirit Refers to a person who identifies as having both a masculine and a feminine spirit, and is used by some Indigenous people to describe their sexual, gender and/or spiritual identity. Individual terms and roles for Two-Spirit people are specific to each nation. Not all Indigenous people who hold diverse sexual and gender identities consider themselves Two-Spirit. 1 Trans Allyship How to be a supportive ally for trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people TRANS MYTHS Myth Busting - debunking common misconceptions “Offering medical transition treatment is harmful, as many trans people detransition.” Only a small percentage of people who medically transition undergo detransition following treatment (1-2%). Compare this to 65% of cisgender people who experience regret after plastic surgery. Risk factors for negative outcomes are typically external in nature, and may include lack of family support, social pressure, surgical complications, non-affirming school or work environments, and increased vulnerability to violence. Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/myths-about-transition-regrets_b_6160626 “Trans and non-binary identities are a recent invention.” Trans and non-binary people have existed at least as long as recorded history. Many cultures around the world have celebrated gender diversity for centuries or longer. Gender as a strict binary is itself a much more modern concept. Sources: https://www.hrc.org/resources/myths-and-facts-battling-disinformation-about-transgender-rights https://www.vox.com/identities/2016/5/13/17938088/transgender-people-rights-myths “Drag queens and kings are transgender.” Drag is a form of performative art, much like acting, singing or dancing, which anyone may take part in regardless of gender identity. Being trans is more than dressing up in different clothes - it is a permanent identity that follows one throughout their life. Although some trans people may also be drag artists, not all trans people are drag artists (or cross-dressers), and not all drag artists are trans. Source: https://www.vox.com/identities/2016/5/13/17938130/transgender-people-drag-queens-kings “Transgender people are confused.” Because gender is something internal and deeply felt, it can be challenging for cisgender people to understand what gender dysphoria feels like. Trans people are not trying to trick anyone, nor are they confused. They’re simply trying to be the people they’ve long felt they are. Source: https://www.vox.com/identities/2016/5/13/17938090/transgender-people-tricks-confused “Pronouns are new and confusing.” Pronouns are everywhere, and have been for a long time. A person might use pronouns that don’t fall into the gender binary of “he” or “she.” Most people find using correct pronouns second nature with a bit of practice. It is important to respect pronouns even if they are new words for you. Source: https://pronouns.org/ “Letting trans people use bathrooms / locker rooms of their choice is dangerous.” There is no evidence to support the claim that allowing folks to use facilities that align with their gender identity has resulted in increased sexual assault. In fact, trans people are often victimized when incidents of assault do occur. Being able to use a washroom or change room that corresponds with one’s gender identity is a right protected under both Alberta’s Human Rights Act and the Canadian Human Rights Act. Source: https://www.vox.com/identities/2016/5/13/17938102/transgender-people-bathrooms-locker-rooms-schools “Children are too young to be taught about trans concepts.” Most of us were implicitly or explicitly taught traditional gender concepts and roles from a young age. Whereas cisgender children are typically met with positive feedback when they express their gender identity, trans children may be punished or bullied for expressing their gender identity. Creating a supportive, flexible environment for kids— regardless of whether they grow up to be trans—is very important in making sure gender dysphoria, and any related problems, don’t lead to negative outcomes later in life. Source: https://www.vox.com/identities/2016/5/13/17938118/transgender-children-transitioning-parenting “People should stick with the sex they were assigned at birth.” When a child is born, they are typically assigned a binary sex based on external genitalia; however, genetic testing to determine female or male chromosomes is rarely completed. Therefore, “assigned sex” is actually assumed sex and assigned gender. Because of this, it is a best practice to use the phrasing “gender assigned at birth.” More importantly, self-determination of gender identity is a basic, protected human right for any person, regardless of their body type or genetics. Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/220914/dq220914c-eng.htm 2 Trans Allyship How to be a supportive ally for trans, non-binary, and Two-Spirit people Allyship Tips General principles: ● Be empowering and inclusive. Work to reduce stigma and celebrate individual differences that make us all unique. ● Respect diversity. Respect all gender identities. Do not pathologize or “other” differences in gender identity or expression. ● Respect universal human rights, including the right to bodily and mental integrity, autonomy and self-determination; and freedom from discrimination. ● Understand that a person is an individual with their own experiences, and not a monolith for the group. Two people with similar characteristics may have differing experiences and expectations—and neither invalidates the other. ● If you want to ask a question, be prepared to hear "no." Not everyone will be comfortable answering personal questions. It helps to do some research on your own first, and ask for clarification from someone who is comfortable sharing with you. ● Be willing to do your homework. Do not expect folks to perform emotional labour, or do the work for you. Vet your sources to make sure they are backed by science, peer-reviewed research, real life experiences, and aren't hate groups in disguise. ● Not sure which pronouns to use? Try offering your own pronouns when you introduce yourself, and ask them to do the same (“Hi, my name is ___ and my pronouns are she/her. What are your name and pronouns?”). ● Avoid using the term “preferred pronouns,” as it implies that cisgender people have pronouns and trans people have preferences. Instead, you can refer to them as “personal pronouns” or simply “pronouns,” which is something we all have and use everyday. ● “Call in” people who are being transphobic. Allyship is an active role and allies need to speak out against hate and discrimination. For more information on calling in, the Urban Planning and Economy department created this guide: Creating a Culture of Calling In. Further resources & reading: ● Gender transition in the workplace: A guide for supporting inclusion - City of Edmonton ● Workers in Transition Guide - Canadian Labour Congress ● Gender-affirming health coverage by Canadian province, territory - Global News article ● How to Respond to Trans Misinformation | Tough Conversations (video) - American Civil Liberties Union ● Cultures That Recognize More than Two Genders - Encyclopaedia Britannica ● Pronouns Matter - pronouns.org ● Neopronoun - Wikipedia ● Gender Transition - Pride Centre of Edmonton ○ For Gender Transition Resources: Local Listings (PDF) ● Transgender Resources | GLAAD ● Trans Counselling - Insight Psychological (based in Edmonton) Trans creators: ● @well_hello_dollyjaye - Trans joy, education, and scripts for trans topics ● @mercurystardusttopz - Trans joy and home repair ● @genderihardlyknowthem - Joyfully provocative queer sketch comedy ● Assigned Male Comics - Sophie Labelle - Trans cartoonist ● Jamie Raines (Youtube; Instagram) - Trans comedy ● Dee’s Twenty Stitches - Trans cross-stitch designer and Flosstuber 3