For most people, their gender identity matches their biological sex (male or female). In the transgender or non-binary community, gender identity differs to varying degrees from the biological sex of a person when they\u2019re born. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
10 things you can do to offer non-binary and transgender support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Be open-minded and willing to learn <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
While the population of trans people is small\u2014estimated at 1.4 million in the U.S.\u2014there may be trans or non-binary people in your life who have not yet transitioned or may not currently be out to you. Just reading this document is a step in being open to learning about them and understanding their journey. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Pay attention to the news in your area<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhether it\u2019s proposed legislation that\u2019s overtly harmful to the trans and non-binary community or broader defunding of healthcare and resources, be aware of current events\u2019 impact on these communities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Engage when and where you can <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
That means calling or writing to government officials and others who have the power to make change happen. Every time you elevate your voice for non-binary and transgender support, you\u2019re helping elevate their voices, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Declare and use your pronouns <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trans and non-binary people have fought for\u2014and in many cases paid for\u2014the right to use their correct pronouns. By using your pronouns<\/a> in places like your email signature, social profiles, and more, you\u2019re helping normalize the general use of pronouns. This is a big step toward helping everyone feel safe and fostering inclusion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n5. Have age-appropriate conversations with your kids about trans and non-binary people<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some people mistakenly believe that being trans or non-binary is related to sexual orientation, but it\u2019s not. It\u2019s about identity and being who you truly are. Kids of all ages can understand what it means to feel like they\u2019re being themselves. No more detail is necessary! If you need help getting a conversation started, try\u202fthese<\/a>\u202fresources.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Better understand the role of hormones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Part of transitioning may include taking hormones. And for some, that can feel like going through puberty all over again. But this time, the hormones are a step toward being who they truly are. Imagine receiving medical care just to feel at home in your body. That\u2019s what hormone treatment does. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Be a health equity and equality advocate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
To advocate for these concepts, we first need to look at their individual meanings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Health equality <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Health equality is the notion that everyone should receive equal healthcare regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or religion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Imagine going to a doctor to treat a broken arm, and the doctor hesitates because you had your appendix out. That would be weird, wouldn\u2019t it? The two medical issues are completely separate. But many medical institutions delay or deny care for trans people because they\u2019ve transitioned \u2013 even when what they\u2019re being treated for has nothing to do with their transition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generally speaking, this hesitation isn\u2019t rooted in bigotry but rather the fear of doing the wrong thing. If you have medical professionals in your family, talk with them about their transgender support and knowledge for their patients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Health equity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Health equity focuses on providing need-based healthcare. This builds on the concept of health equality because not all people need the same care. Different groups require different services depending on their situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
An example would be the global water crisis<\/a>. In some areas, people lack running water or plumbing. These circumstances result in a specific set of health issues for those populations. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIn other areas, they may have plumbing but lack clean drinking water. This challenge presents its own challenges that require their own particular type of care. Health equity focuses on giving these people the care they need for their specific medical challenges \u2013 gender identity, race, or sexual orientation are not taken into account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next time you see your doctor, ask them if they treat transgender patients. By simply talking about trans topics and assuring folks that all gender identities receive the same treatment for a broken arm or that a hysterectomy is done the same for a trans man as for a cisgender woman<\/a>, the fear of the unknown is removed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n8. Be an ally <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Whether or not a trans or non-binary friend or co-worker is in the room, defend them if you hear negative or ignorant remarks. Being a true ally<\/a> means doing the right thing, even if no one\u2019s around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n9. Be open to feedback <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, you may get it wrong when talking to or about transgender or non-binary people. But don\u2019t get upset, defensive, or embarrassed if someone corrects you. Just keep a mindset of learning and doing better next time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Have age-appropriate conversations with your kids about trans and non-binary people<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Some people mistakenly believe that being trans or non-binary is related to sexual orientation, but it\u2019s not. It\u2019s about identity and being who you truly are. Kids of all ages can understand what it means to feel like they\u2019re being themselves. No more detail is necessary! If you need help getting a conversation started, try\u202fthese<\/a>\u202fresources.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Part of transitioning may include taking hormones. And for some, that can feel like going through puberty all over again. But this time, the hormones are a step toward being who they truly are. Imagine receiving medical care just to feel at home in your body. That\u2019s what hormone treatment does. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To advocate for these concepts, we first need to look at their individual meanings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Health equality is the notion that everyone should receive equal healthcare regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, or religion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine going to a doctor to treat a broken arm, and the doctor hesitates because you had your appendix out. That would be weird, wouldn\u2019t it? The two medical issues are completely separate. But many medical institutions delay or deny care for trans people because they\u2019ve transitioned \u2013 even when what they\u2019re being treated for has nothing to do with their transition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally speaking, this hesitation isn\u2019t rooted in bigotry but rather the fear of doing the wrong thing. If you have medical professionals in your family, talk with them about their transgender support and knowledge for their patients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Health equity focuses on providing need-based healthcare. This builds on the concept of health equality because not all people need the same care. Different groups require different services depending on their situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An example would be the global water crisis<\/a>. In some areas, people lack running water or plumbing. These circumstances result in a specific set of health issues for those populations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In other areas, they may have plumbing but lack clean drinking water. This challenge presents its own challenges that require their own particular type of care. Health equity focuses on giving these people the care they need for their specific medical challenges \u2013 gender identity, race, or sexual orientation are not taken into account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Next time you see your doctor, ask them if they treat transgender patients. By simply talking about trans topics and assuring folks that all gender identities receive the same treatment for a broken arm or that a hysterectomy is done the same for a trans man as for a cisgender woman<\/a>, the fear of the unknown is removed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether or not a trans or non-binary friend or co-worker is in the room, defend them if you hear negative or ignorant remarks. Being a true ally<\/a> means doing the right thing, even if no one\u2019s around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, you may get it wrong when talking to or about transgender or non-binary people. But don\u2019t get upset, defensive, or embarrassed if someone corrects you. Just keep a mindset of learning and doing better next time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n6. Better understand the role of hormones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. Be a health equity and equality advocate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Health equality <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Health equity<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
8. Be an ally <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Be open to feedback <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Strive](\"https:\/\/intuitblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Strive-for-5.jpg?w=1024\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n