For allies | TransgenderSG

Listen and build human connection

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Be informed

If you read or hear a claim that is especially shocking, do some fact-checking. Often, the reality is much more mundane. For example, social media posts might claim that young children are being sent for sex-reassignment surgeries en masse, when the reality is that transition for children with gender dysphoria often involves only changing their clothes, hairstyles or names to something they are more comfortable with, and no medical intervention.

Be especially wary of emotionally-charged headlines. These often knowingly misinterpret or exaggerate facts in order to drive clicks.

Acknowledge when you do not know enough to contribute to a discussion. Many of these topics are complex, and difficult for most people to understand, especially where niche medical issues are concerned. It is fine to say that you don’t know, and to suggest that others in the discussion may likewise not know enough to give informed opinions.

If possible, familiarise yourself with credible academic and scientific research on trans issues so that you can better recognise and question dubious claims.

Glossary of terms

Frequently asked questions

What is gender dysphoria?

Guidelines for trans-friendly employers

Don’t out trans people without their consent

Avoid pressuring trans people to disclose their trans status

Affirm the value of trans people’s lives and experiences

Trans perspectives are rarely sought when forming policies that directly affect us, based on the assumption that other people know better about our own lives and what is good for us.

Create safe spaces

The smallest gestures can help trans people know that they can feel safe around you.

Use trans ally stickers or badges

Correctly gendering trans celebrities and public figures (but avoid outing trans people you personally know, unless you are certain that they are okay with this)

Expressing concern around anti-trans rhetoric

Including your gender pronouns in your email signature or self-introduction

Raising questions about how certain policies may harm trans people

Countering transphobic comments you hear

Speaking up against anti-trans misinformation online

Donating to trans charities and sharing about them on social media.

Take the lead with pronoun sharing

Pronouns are personal and sharing them can be hard, especially for trans people who are not yet ready to come out, or whose gender identity is more fluid.

Actively include trans people in gendered spaces and terms

Inviting a trans woman to be a bridesmaid at a wedding

Offering to help a newly-out trans woman with clothes and makeup

Referring to a group of cis and trans men as “brothers”

Inviting a trans man to help out at a men’s support group

“This event is open to all women and non-binary people”

“Our sisters, brothers and non-binary siblings”

Avoid unnecessary differentiation of cis and trans people

For many of us, gender dysphoria also influenced how we experienced, internalised or responded to gendered socialisation.

See trans people as individuals

Trans people may also have different experiences with gender dysphoria or euphoria, our relationship with our bodies, navigating our sexuality, and so on.