If you scratch the surface of what I do, often I am just asking for basic human decency to prevail.
Now I’m not lifting the curtain, or suggesting that I do a substandard job. Instead I am reminding all of us, sometimes the best approaches in life can be the simplest. In this case the simple approach is basic human decency, as a tool against anti trans sentiment.
What does it mean, to look for basic human decency in this world? Well in terms of the LGBT+ community, and trans people in particular, it is asking you to have a little empathy for us. To put yourself in our shoes, notice how they’re a little tight, uncomfortable even. Now realise that we didn’t choose these shoes, we were given them by life.
When it comes down to it, trans people can have a pretty rough ride of life, and that costs us dearly sometimes. With all the joy of gender euphoria, comes dysphoria, social isolation, financial restrictions, medical issues, and so many other issues. We wouldn’t choose the harder path if we didn’t have to.
So how does that link to basic human decency and empathy?
Well, it’s not automaticity choosing to think the worst of a community, especially when you may have little to no experience of it. Think the best, give us the benefit of the doubt, a gift most other non marginalised groups are given.
Think about helping instead of hating! Don't waste energy, effort, and time hating us. Spend half of that time helping us. That looks like shutting down transphobia, correcting stereotyping, and standing up for us when you can - it’s really quite simple.
I also want you to think about finding ways to offer support instead of isolation. If trans people are in your life it is a gift, so treat it as such, and choose to support them. It can be tricky to come to terms with changes, that’s human nature after all, but over time it gets so much easier - so open the doors to support!
Finally choose to learn about us, instead of deriding us without any information. I love a pithy put-down as much as the next person, but most of the hate I receive online is poorly written and woefully incorrect. Instead, find some time to do some basic education, Google is there for all of us, so why not use it in the pursuit of good for once?
Basic human decency is one of the most powerful tools of change the world has, and the brilliant thing is that it’s free for everyone. So you don’t have to worry about writing social cheques your brain can’t cash, because basic human decency is simple, attainable, and necessary for living in 2024!
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