Thread by @AlexPetrovnia

It's #TransAwarenessWeek so here's a few concepts I want cis people to really wrestle with to be better allies. 🏳️‍⚧️🧵

Firstly, trans people have always been here. We aren't a new phenomena or a "fad", we're just coming under greater scrutiny right now.

Trans people are everywhere. We are estimated to be between 2-5% of the total population. This means you almost definitely know a trans person, whether they're out to you or not.

Being trans is an inherent attribute. We can't be "cured". This also means that people can't be "turned trans", they can just be helped into recognizing their own transness.

Trans people deserve to transition in peace. Whether that means socially transitioning (such as presentation, pronouns, names, etc) or medical transition (such as hormones, surgery, etc) trans people aren't asking for "special treatment", and we deserve to be respected.

Trans people are the experts on our own experiences. We know more about what it is to be trans and what trans people need than cis people, even with the best intentions, ever can.

Trans children exist, just as trans adults exist. A person is trans, it's not something that happens to them. Trans children know themselves better than any outsider can, and it's important that we believe them.

Being trans and transitioning are deeply personal experiences. It is not acceptable to ask invasive questions of trans people. If a trans person trusts you with information related to their identity or transition, be honored!

Trans people don't go against biology. Biology is a lot more complicated than what you were taught in grade school, just like we don't teach string theory to high schoolers in physics 1. The overwhelming majority of scientists and doctors support trans people and transition.

Transphobia is rooted in sexism. Transphobia seeks to confine people into strict gender roles and to limit bodily autonomy. It is feminist to support trans people.

You don't have to be bi or pan to be attracted to trans people! Trans people are the gender that we say we are, and trans people can look like anyone.

You can't "always tell". Trans people can look like anyone. Every one of us is an individual and plenty of trans people choose to go "stealth", meaning they are not open about being trans. It's very likely you have met a trans person without realizing they are trans.

Trans people don't owe you a disclosure of our transness under any circumstances.

Trans people are not dangerous. We are just regular human beings trying to live our lives in peace, the same as you are.

Trans people need your help and your protection. 2021 has been the deadliest year on record for trans people. Legislation to make our lives harder has been introduced at record levels in many countries. It is time for allies to step up to protect trans lives.
So what can you do?

Educate others. Do your best to spread truthful things about trans people and combat misinformation wherever you can. Remember, trans people are everywhere! Every bit of solidarity and every person who believes in protecting trans lives matters.

Be critical when consuming information about trans people. Misinformation is rampant. Critically analyze everything you hear about trans people. Was this information written by a cis person? Does it make sense? Is it trying to paint trans people as violent, dangerous or naive?

Donate to trans people if you can. Many of us are in particular need this year due to intensifying bigotry against us. Trans people, put your need posts below and I will boost them. Allies, boost and donate!

Contact your representatives. If you live in the United States, you can use @StepUp4Trans's resources to stay updated on bill progression, danger and more. Check out their bill tracker and info to contact your reps about anti-trans bills here:
…ansformationsproject.ue.r.appspot.com