Transgender

Recognizing all individuals under the transgender umbrella (including but not limited to: genderqueer, gender fluid, agender, trans man, trans woman, two-spirit, intergender, and non-binary) is equally as important when trying to be a supportive ally.

Listed below are resources and terms that often relate specifically to transgender students and are important to be aware of. Transgender students can be questioning their identity, transitioning, or looking for support, and understanding terminology, providing them with resources, and being aware of the adversities they might face allow for Transgender students to find safe spaces and help designative Transgender identities and bodies.

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• Pronouns and Misgendering
• Bathroom Concerns
• Misnaming
• Housing / Bathroom (on-campus)
• Health Care Facilities
• Being Outed / Coming Out
• Gate-keeping

You should always assume that there is a Transgender student in your classroom.

Don't assume that you know anyone's gender identity

• As an educator, not assuming a student's pronouns can assist in normalizing gender identities outside of the heteronormative gender binaries.

Don't assume that you know anyone's sexual orientation.

• For example, Transgender people can be gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight, etc.

Be conscious of consent - try to be aware that the legal name on school documentation may not be the name of the student in your classroom.

• Understand the meaning of "deadname" - this refers to a Transgender person is called the name they were given at birth, prior to transitioning, and not the name they use anymore.
• Transitioning: to present an outward gender expression that is in line with their gender identity, that differs from the biological gender assigned at birth.
• In the online setting, allow your students to give you their name (try and refrain from using "preferred" name, as it is their name.

Do not assume that it's necessary for a Transgender individual to disclose that they are Trans.

• This assumption can be invalidating for a Trans individual. There is no need for them to "come out" to you - as that is their truth. It has nothing to do with you. Respect that.

Someone's gender history is their information to share; it is not something to casually discuss.

• It's important to understand that if a student discloses their gender history to you, that they trust you and trust that the information disclosed will not leave the boundaries of your relationship, just like any other confidential information a student might share with you.
• It's important to clarify with a student if the information shared is common knowledge to avoid potentially outing the student.

Be cognizant of the language that your Transgender student uses when describing their identity; they could still be trying to figure it out themselves. It's not something to rush or have them choose. Their language and description of self may change throughout the course of your class. A few examples of language change might be, but are not limited to:

• Transgender
• Transsexual
• Non-Binary
• Genderqueer
• Gender Non-Conforming

Understand that someone's pronouns may change if they're questioning their gender identity - be respectful and considerate of their exploration. Make it known that they can change them at any time throughout your course.

• You can state this on your syllabus or in your class introduction.
• You could ask for pronouns at the beginning of each discussion board in an online class.
• You could ask for pronouns when someone speaks up in class.
• You could put your pronouns on your zoom, or however you deliver your course content (especially during COVID).

You don't need any proof of whether or not someone is Transgender. Not every Transgender person transitions (for many reasons, all of which are personal and do not need to be disclosed to you), so if someone tells you they are Transgender, they are.

Listen to your students. Do not be a performative ally. Show up for your students; realize when action is needed and when verbal support is enough.

(https://www.glaad.org/transgender/allies)

Also see: https://transequality.org