Ally Is a Verb: Standing with Trans and Nonbinary Communities in 2025

In recent months, transgender and nonbinary individuals have faced an escalating wave of political attacks and harmful rhetoric. These actions have not only threatened their rights but also fueled dangerous myths about their identities. As allies, it's crucial to actively support and stand with these communities.

Recent Political Attacks on Trans Communities
In September 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 8 into law, banning transgender individuals from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity in government-owned buildings, schools, and prisons. Violations can result in fines up to $125,000. This legislation has been widely criticized by LGBTQ+ advocates and civil liberties groups as harmful and discriminatory.

Furthermore, the FBI is reportedly preparing to categorize transgender people as “violent extremists,” a move supported by organizations affiliated with Project 2025. This categorization has been condemned by civil rights organizations as baseless and dangerous. 

Myth vs. Fact:

Debunking Common Misconceptions...

Myth:​Transgender people are more likely to commit violence.
Fact:There is no evidence supporting the claim that transgender individuals are more prone to violence. In fact, they are often victims of violence. 

Myth:Transgender people are mentally ill.
Fact:Being transgender is not a mental illness. Gender dysphoria is a condition some transgender people experience, but it is not synonymous with being trans. Gender dysphoria can be relieved by living authentically in their true gender, with or without hormones or surgery, depending on their needs.

Myth:Transgender women are not real women.
Fact:Transgender women are real women. Gender identity is a deeply personal and valid aspect of one's identity. Trans women often experience many of the same disadvantages that cisgender women face, but their experiences can also include additional challenges due to transphobia.

Myth:Transgender people are a threat to children.
Fact:Transgender individuals are not a threat to children. In fact, they are more likely to be victims of violence and discrimination. Statistically, children are most likely to be assaulted by someone they know and trust. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), 93% of victims under 18 know their abuser. Specifically, 59% are acquainted with the perpetrator, and 34% are family members. Only 7% of juvenile victims are assaulted by strangers.

Myth:Transgender people are a small, fringe group.
Fact:Transgender people are a significant and diverse community. According to the Williams Institute, approximately 1.4 million adults in the U.S. identify as transgender. 

How to Be a Supportive Ally:
​Being an ally involves more than passive support; it requires active engagement and commitment. Here are practical steps to consider:

1. Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about transgender and nonbinary experiences by reading books, watching documentaries, and following reputable sources. Sharing this knowledge helps combat misinformation and fosters understanding.
2. Use Correct Names and Pronouns: Always use the names and pronouns that individuals have chosen, regardless of legal documentation. This shows respect for their identity and humanity.
3. Speak Out Against Discrimination: Challenge transphobic remarks and policies when you encounter them. Use your voice to advocate for inclusive practices in your community and workplace.
4. Support Transgender and Nonbinary Organizations: Donate to and volunteer with organizations that support transgender and nonbinary individuals, such as The Trevor Project and the Human Rights Campaign.
5. Create Inclusive Spaces: Ensure that environments you control—like workplaces, schools, and social groups—are welcoming to transgender and nonbinary people. Implement policies that affirm gender identity and expression.

Pitfalls to Avoid:
Even well-intentioned actions can be harmful. Here are things to avoid:

• Misgendering, even if accidental: Always quickly apologize and correct yourself if you make a mistake. Consistent effort shows respect. Focusing on the mistake shifts the focus to you and can make the person feel more uncomfortable. 
• Asking intrusive questions: Avoid probing into someone's transition or body unless they offer that information. Respect their privacy.
• Speaking over transgender voices: Amplify, don’t replace, the voices of trans and nonbinary individuals.
• Assuming all transgender people are the same: Recognize and respect the diversity within the transgender and nonbinary communities.
• Offering unsolicited advice: Support should be offered, not imposed. Let individuals guide their own journeys.

Allyship is an ongoing process of learning, unlearning, and action. By educating yourself, challenging harmful narratives, and actively supporting transgender and nonbinary individuals, you contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

📚 References

1. Human Rights Campaign. (2025). FBI’s annual crime report: Hate crimes against LGBTQ+ community remain among top 3 most reported categories. Human Rights Campaign. https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/fbis-annual-crime-report-hate-crimes-against-lgbtq-community-remain-among-top-3-most-reported-categories
2. PolitiFact. (2025, September 9). Are trans people 'statistically' more prone to commit gun violence? PolitiFact. https://www.politifact.com/article/2025/sep/09/trans-people-mass-shootings-gun-violence/
3. GLAAD. (2025). GLAAD ALERT Desk data shows dramatic rise in anti-trans hate incidents. GLAAD. https://glaad.org/glaad-alert-desk-data-shows-dramatic-rise-in-anti-trans-hate-incidents/
4. Williams Institute. (2025). Anti-LGBT victimization in the United States. UCLA School of Law. https://williamsinstitute.law.ucla.edu/publications/anti-lgbt-victimization-us/
5. The Trevor Project. (n.d.). Being an ally to transgender and nonbinary youth guide. The Trevor Project. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/guide/a-guide-to-being-an-ally-to-transgender-and-nonbinary-youth/
   
6. Runnels, A. (2025, August 28). “Bathroom bill” aimed at trans people signed into law after decade of failed attempts. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/28/texas-house-bathroom-bill-transgender/