Tips for Trans Allies

Don’t out trans friends to other people without their permission.

• Know your local resources (WAF, CATS, etc).

• Google first! Your trans friend isn’t your personal encyclopedia.

• Ask your friend which pronouns they prefer (he/she/they), then tell them which you prefer.

• Ask if you can ask questions, and be aware of your surroundings before initiating the conversation.

• Avoid asking questions about genitalia or any questions you would feel uncomfortable answering if the tables were turned.

• Find out with whom you can use your friend’s preferred name and pronouns. It can be very dangerous for trans people to be out to the wrong people.

• Don’t use oppressive language, and call others out when they do.

• Avoid using the following language:

  • “What are you really?”

  • “What’s your real name?”

  • “So, you’re an ‘it?’”

• Always refer to the sex one was “assigned at birth,” as opposed to one’s “real sex.”