How To Be a Good Friend to Someone with Gender Dysphoria
If you are a cisgender person, you might not understand what your friend is going through when they experience gender dysphoria.You can still support them, and you can educate yourself about their experience as you go.There is a feeling of distress when a person's gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth.If your friend is struggling with gender dysphoria, you can make a difference in their life.You can be an ally to a friend who is experiencing gender dysphoria.
Step 1: When talking about a friend, use the correct pronouns.
People who were assigned female but identify as male tend to use he/ him.Some people may use they or neo-pronouns.Jordan, what pronouns do you use?
Step 2: Providing love and acceptance is a way to support people.
Let your friend know that you enjoy spending time with them.Tell them why you like them and what their friendship means to you.When they come out to you or are going through an emotional struggle, make sure you let them know that you care.I am here for you.I care about you and I will support you no matter what.Your friendship makes my life better because you are so kind and funny.I want you to know I am here for you as well.
Step 3: Move on with the conversation if you apologize politely.
Misgendering is when you use the wrong pronouns or name your friend.Don't make a big deal of the situation (which can make your friend more uncomfortable) and use the correct pronouns when it happens accidentally.I am sorry.I meant they were going to the mall.Kenna, you should have gotten the chocolate ice cream.
Step 4: Don't out your friend unless they tell you otherwise.
Allow your friend to decide when to reveal their gender identity to other people.If your friend doesn't want you to use the correct pronouns, you should ask.By giving your friend time to come out on their own, you let them experience the freedom to be or find who they are.I want to respect your privacy, but I also want you to know who I am.If someone asks about your friend and you don't want to speak for them, say: "Have you come out to the rest of our friends?"If you are interested in their gender, you can ask them directly.
Step 5: You can learn more about your friend's experiences by listening.
Let them know that you pay attention to what they are saying.If you identify with the gender you were assigned at birth, you can empathise with how a friend is feeling.They will talk about their struggles and successes in discovering their gender identity.If you don't know how to respond, ask, "Can you tell me more about that?"
Step 6: It is a normal part of greetings to say your pronouns.
If no one else is doing it, your friend might feel uncomfortable.It is possible to help your friend feel less isolated and model appropriate behavior for others by giving your own pronouns.After you introduce yourself, you can add your pronouns to your social media profile, email signature, or video call meeting nametag.It is nice to meet you, I use she/her pronouns.Karl and I use the same pronouns.
Step 7: Pick words that mean people, friends, orfolks.
Change the way you greet others to make sure your friend is included, and make gender-inclusive greetings a habit.Your friend with Dysphoria might feel uncomfortable if you refer to them with gendered terms.Hey, friends, how are you?You can't tell someone's gender identity from looking at them, so you might subconsciously make another person feel more comfortable when you opt for gender-inclusive language.
Step 8: The person should be asked to change their behavior or leave.
Let the person know that they are incorrect if they unintentionally use the wrong pronouns.If your friend is being harassed, ask the person to leave and report the behavior to the police.Supporting your friend's health and wellbeing is one of the best ways to do so.His name is Nick, and he uses he/him pronouns.Ask your friend if they are interested in talking to you.Your friend might not want you to speak for them.Make sure your intervention doesn't make your friend more uncomfortable or escalate a conflict into violence.
Step 9: Demand inclusive washrooms, locker rooms, and other signs.
Talk to an administrator, board or create a petition if you want your school or workplace to designate a single-stall bathroom.Ask the businesses to put up gender-neutral signs.You can participate in protests, lobby, and support bills to change the law.
Step 10: Look for resources and information.
Do you know the status of non-binary rights in your country?Learn about the different ways people can identify when listening to other gender non conforming people's stories.It is okay to admit what you do not know.sexuality and gender are not the same thing.There is no right age or way to transition.
Step 11: Purchase or view content that is positive for gender non conforming people.
To become a better ally to your friend and others who have experienced gender dysphoria, watch documentaries, listen to music, and read books.You can support the broader gender non conforming community by acting as an audience for a variety of important lived experiences.