November is Transgender Awareness Month. The UCLA Williams Institute estimates that 1.4 million adults in the United States identify as transgender. This month is a time to raise awareness, call for change, and advocate for all transgender and gender-diverse people and communities.
A significant day within Transgender Awareness Month is November 20, which is Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR). This day brings attention to those lost to anti-trans violence. Transgender and gender-diverse people face discrimination in employment, schooling, housing, and health care, while simultaneously being at higher risk of experiencing violence. For example, about 80% of transgender students report experiencing harassment at school due to their gender identity.However, studies have also shown that transgender youth thrive when supported by their families, schools, and communities.
Although transgender individuals experience higher rates of discrimination and violence, they have a lack of legal protections. In 2023 alone, over 500 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced in the United States. The impacts of discrimination and anti-transgender legislation include poverty, violence, and limited access to high-quality health care.
Help make your practice gender-affirming and ensure visibility for transgender communities with these strategies:
- Create a safe and welcoming space. This means using gender-inclusive language, creating gender-inclusive facilities (e.g., bathrooms, waiting rooms), and having a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination.
- Educate yourself about the unique challenges that transgender people face. This includes learning about the different types of gender identity and expression, the medical and social transition processes, and the specific stressors and risks that transgender people face. Be careful not to make assumptions about any specific person's needs or goals.
- Be respectful of everyone's pronouns, gender identity, and gender expression. This means using the pronouns people tell you to use, and referring to them by the name they wish to be called.
- Build more awareness of your own biases and assumptions. We all have biases, which is why reflecting on them and where they come from is the first step in reducing how biases impact our ability to provide quality care for our clients.
- Provide support and resources. This may include connecting them with other trans-affirming providers, support groups, or legal services, if desired.
Resources to support your inclusive practice:
Printable Tools:
Quick Tips for Understanding Pronouns
Understanding Gender Transitions
Using Gender-Inclusive Language With Spanish-Speaking Populations
Video:
Quick Tips on Understanding Pronouns
Virtual Training:
Supporting Transgender and Gender-Diverse Children: Applying the Gender Affirmative Model in Everyday Clinical Practice
To find more resources, you can click here.
Citations
Grant, J.M., Diamond, L.M., and Wilkinson, L.A. (2011). National Transgender Discrimination Survey. American Journal of Public Health. 101.6,1111-1117.
The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. (n.d.). The Impact of 2023 Legislation on Transgender Youth - Williams Institute. Williams Institute. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/2023-trans-legislative-summary/
