Transgender Awareness

I want to highlight the importance of raising awareness of the experiences and voices of both the transgender and gender non-conforming communities. This can be done through social media, education, or action.

In my opinion, transgender individuals are not highlighted enough in our community, especially within the LGBT community. There are so many ways that you and your network can raise awareness.

Increasing awareness among your networks

One way to raise awareness is through social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and Tik Tok. Individuals have been utilizing these platforms, especially when speaking about LGBT-related issues.

Something as simple as sharing a post someone else posted is a great way to increase awareness among your networks. A great way to share information is to search or look out for infographics that organizations may post throughout the year related to a certain awareness day.

Another way to raise awareness is by doing your research on topics, especially around national awareness days. If you are more knowledgeable on the topic, then it is more likely for you to share that information with other people.

The more people know about issues around transgender competent healthcare, the more likely the community will feel safe speaking about the issues at hand.

Using your pronouns

Another major topic is the use of pronouns. We should always make sure to address individuals with the pronouns that they use.

If you do not know what pronouns someone uses, the easiest thing to do is ask them. A simple way to do this would be to first introduce yourself by saying your name and your pronouns and letting them introduce themselves afterward.

A day of remembrance

In November, we should also highlight Transgender Day of Remembrance. Transgender Day of Remembrance is observed on November 20th to memorialize individuals who were killed throughout the world due to transphobic violence.

This tradition started in Boston to raise awareness and give LGBT people a moment to pause and remember those that were lost. This day should never go unnoticed and should always be talked about within our community.

There is and continues to be a need for change in how transgender and gender non-conforming individuals are treated and respected. I feel that this change needs to start with the LGBT community.

Intersectionality in HIV advocacy

I feel that there can be a divide among groups within the LGBT umbrella. In my opinion, the gay community needs to step up at prioritizing and supporting their fellow transgender community, including the gender non-conforming community.

Our community is already targeted as it is, and we should not be against one another. Raising awareness during the month of November can move the community in the right direction. The direction of equality and culturally competent health care for all LGBT community.

I hope that moving forward, all of us can support one another in the fight against both homophobia and transphobia.