What is Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia?
Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia are a range of negative attitudes and feelings, including hatred, prejudice, discrimination, and violence and feelings toward people who do not conform to heterosexuality or social gender expectations
About Intersectionality
Interlocking systems of power and discrimination that affect those who are most marginalized in society. Those facing intersectional oppression, for example, Black trans women, are disproportionately at risk of violence across the globe.
The Statistics
What needs to happen
States and countries must take a leading role in the fight against LGBTIphobia, including:
Stay Informed and Support the Work
This year, the global campaign theme is “Resisting, Supporting, and Healing Together,” and aims to recognize LGBTI+ activists and organizations around the globe. You can support LGBTI+ activists nationally and internationally through these organizations:
In conclusion
Everyone in society has a role to help create a safe environment where everyone can flourish and live their lives to the fullest.
]]>What’s going on?
The WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) is updating its Standards of Care (SOC). A draft has been released and it is open to public comment through Thursday, December 16th.
What’s so important about the SOC?
The SOC informs decisions made about how to treat transgender, nonbinary, 2spirit, and intersex people.
It determines who is able to access trans healthcare and how insurance companies decide what is “medically necessary” for the treatment of gender dysphoria.
So what’s the problem?
While there are many improvements in the newest version of the SOC, there are some serious problems that need to be addressed before the final version is released.
This could impact how transgender people receive healthcare for decades to come.
What can I do?
Participate in the public feedback process by Thursday, December 16th.
There is a lot of transphobic rhetoric out there and we need people who support trans equality to add feedback to improve the new guidelines before they become final.
To get started, here are some chapters of concern and proposed solutions. Follow the SurveyMonkey link for each chapter to add your commentary.
Chapter: Adolescents
Issues:
Solution:
Submit comments on Adolescents Chapter
Chapter: Children
Issue:
Solution:
Submit Comments on Children Chapter
Chapter: Intersex
Issue:
Solution:
Submit Comments on Intersex Chapter
Chapter: Hormones
Issue:
Solution:
Submit Comments on Hormones Chapter
What should I do next?
✔ Share this with your networks
Encourage your colleagues, friends, and family to participate in the public comment process.
✔ Stay vigilant and informed
Continue to education yourself on policies that impact the lives of transgender people.
✔ Continue to fight for the rights of all transgender people
If you are cisgender, use your privilege to advocate for the rights of transgender people. Listen to transgender people, amplify our stories, and center our needs.
]]>Today is International Pronouns Day: a day to educate ourselves and commit to creating a world that affirms and respects all people.
Check out our guide on using pronouns below.
Pronouns Matter
Pronouns are an important way to show respect to trans and cis people alike.
When we are misgendered it sends the message "I don't see you. I don't value your humanity."
Be kind and always use a person's chosen pronouns and name.
Never Assume Pronouns
It's impossible to tell a person's pronouns by appearance. Use gender neutral language until you know otherwise.
Once you become aware of a person's pronouns, it is misgendering to continue using gender neutral pronouns or first name. You have to try. Mistakes will happen. Do it anyway.
Normalize Pronouns
Trans and nonbinary people can't do this alone.
Introduce yourself with pronouns. Ask about pronouns. Add your pronouns to bios, social media profiles, Zoom and email signatures. Attach your pronouns to your name whenever possible.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
This is the only way to develop new affirming habits. One way to practice is by telling stories about the person using their new name and pronouns when they are not around.
Practice with a friend. Practice using a plant Practice on your pet. Just practice!
Correcting Mistakes
Mistakes will happen as we learn and grow. Trans people can handle mistakes as long as an effort is being made.
If you slip up, quickly apologize, correct yourself, and move on. Don't make excuses or center your feelings.
If you're corrected, say "thank you." Apologizing puts unnecessary pressure on the trans person to console you and say "it's OK," when it's not OK.
Pronouns Change
Remember that pronouns can change over time. Check in with people. Be the person someone can try on new names or pronouns with.
Also, when talking about someone before their transition always use the name and pronouns the person currently uses.
Coming Out is a Process
Not everyone has the privilege to be out in all situations. If someone comes out or confides in you, get consent about who and where you can use their new name and pronouns. Remember, it is never OK to out someone.
Hold Individuals and Institutions Accountable
If you witness someone using the wrong pronouns, support trans and non-binary folks by correcting them.
Hold organizations accountable and advocate for pronouns to be added to intake forms, meeting introductions, name tags, email signatures, and computer systems.
Do Your Research And Be An Agent for Change
Advocate for policies that offer protection for gender identity and expression, including misgendering.
Speak up when others are being misgendered and harassed.
Do your own research about trans issues and advocate for inclusive policies and human rights for all.
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✨Awesome Nonbinary People to Follow✨
Basit
Sarah Kate
Dre
Danny
Wednesday Holmes
@hellomynameiswednesday
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SWOP Behind Bars
https://www.swopbehindbars.org/
Sex Workers Outreach Project-USA
Urban Justice Center - Sex Workers Project
St. James Infirmary
Decrim NY
HIPS
https://www.hips.org/about.html
The Black Sex Worker Collective
https://www.blacksexworkercollective.org/
Support Ho(s)e Collective
Urban Justice Center Sex Worker Project
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