How to Be a Part of My Support Network

I want to begin by saying that we all need support, especially in this political climate. We have Republicans who are trying to cut benefits to millions of the US population because they "don't want to give food stamps to Black people", who trying to get all up in womyn's bodies and police their reproductive rights, and fools who are trying to colonise the moon. -___-  People and their identities are under attack and it is in times like these that we need to be especially mindful of the ways in which we are helping this capitalist, patriarchal, racist, etc. system to continue to oppress our people.

That being said, I have recently come to identify as trans*.  I've been adjusting not only to this new identity and new perspective, but also coming under fire for having this trans* identity. I've been policed by society, the general public, but also from friends and loved ones.  I want to use this space to create a list of how those around me can be more supportive as I navigate this grossly transphobic world.

I want to emphasise that this is MY list.  I cannot speak for other trans* folx, nor would I be so egotistical as to try. These are things that will make my day-to-day life easier to deal with, especially as I carry so many target identities. But I'm specifically using this space to focus on my gender identity as trans*.

Commence list....

1) My name is Auri.  Call me Auri, because I said my name is Auri.

2) I use they, them, and theirs gender pronouns. He, him, his are ok too.

3) I identify as trans*, transgender and genderqueer.  Are those new terms for you?  Great!! Educate yourself by clicking on the links and also Googling them in your spare time.

4) If you hear someone refer to me by a name or gender pronoun that is not listed above, please correct them.  This is a serious part of being an ally to me.

5) Use my preferred name and gender pronouns even when I am not present.  I use your preferred name and pronouns, and I expect the same respect in return.

6) If I get angry at you for making a transphobic comment, don't deny it.  Own your mistake. Then use the experience to educate yourself and ensure you don't make the same mistake again. Also note, that I am not the go-to trans*, gender, or sexuality resource.  Google is great.  Also see #3.

7) If we are in a space and someone makes a comment that is offensive and/or oppressive to trans*folx, speak up.  I should not always have to be the one to educate others about gender, queer issues, trans* issues, or any other marginalised group.

8) Realise that oppressions cannot be ranked; that is, race is not more oppressive than gender is not more oppressive than immigration status is not more oppressive than class, etc.  They operate as an amazingly efficient network of patriarchy and are all interconnected.

9) If you cannot respect the above eight items, our relationship may not last much longer.

End of transmission....   


Again, I emphasise that this is MY list of support. I cannot and will not speak for others and how their needs can be addressed. Feel free to share this with people you know I interact with.  And if you have any questions regarding my support list, contact me.  Also, let me know how I can support you. We're all in this together after all....

Check out these resources!!  This is by no means an exhaustive list.

Transphobia

I Am Cissexist

Still No Freedom Rainbow for Transgender People of Color

Trans & People of Color Disproportionately Targeted

What Allies of Trans People Can Do (video)