How can I support my friend who is transgender?
HappyPlaces
on
May 28, 2015
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Just call them by their preferred pronouns, and treat them like they want to be treated, whether they're a trans* boy or trans* girl.
Anonymous
on
Jun 3, 2015
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help him feel proud of who he or she is. dont let them think they dont fit in because of who they are. help them gain self confidence and stand up for them.
Anonymous
on
Jul 27, 2015
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At first I have to say how happy I am about your wish to help. That's the first big step.
I have a gay friend and years ago he came out. I wanted to support him, too. I think the way to help is somehow simmilar and one day he reflected our support.
He told me, accepting him and treating him as a person, not a gay person, was very important to him. And the guarantee to know that there are people to depend on, still loving him, no matter what people say.
amazingHeart17
on
Oct 8, 2015
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All you have to do is let them know that you are here for them, offer help with anything they may need, and use the pronouns that they would prefer :)
Anonymous
on
Sep 12, 2016
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Be there for them and support them throughout their struggles. That's the best you can do. Hope it goes well! :)
museofdreams
on
Dec 13, 2016
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Being transgender can be really hard, I'd definitely say be there as a friend; learn teminology so you know what's going on, do research into the different feelings or emotions they can have, and help try to get everyone to be supportive.
One person advocating for them can make a world of a difference, but one important thing must be noticed... Use the right pronouns!!!
Maude221
on
Jan 30, 2017
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Don't assume you know what the person's experience is. Be guided by what the person tells you about their own situation, and listen without preconceived notions.
Treat transgender people the same. While they may appreciate your extra attention to them, they don't particularly appreciate you making a big deal of them.
Be supportive. Those who have begun to express a gender different from the one assigned at birth are usually undergoing a major life changing event. Patience, understanding, and a willingness to discuss issues these changes will bring about will help them through a difficult and emotional time
TorynDeaux
on
Feb 21, 2017
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Be understanding. Try to put yourself where they are at, but unless you have felt off in your own body, you won't understand. Give them advice on transitioning; proper binder usage, hormone and testosterone treatments. And just be there in general. If they have a preferred pronoun or name, use it and if you mess up and forget, apologize. Make sure you completely understand where they stand in their transitioning.
Anonymous
on
Mar 13, 2017
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You should foremost keep this in mind to call them by their preferred names. Secondly, you should use the right pronouns for them. Thirdly please correct anyone who isn't using the right name or pronoun. And lastly be there for them to lean on.
FriendlyIcecream99
on
Mar 16, 2017
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Make sure you fully understand Transgender culture. This could really help your friend feel accepted
comfortableSoul80
on
Aug 14, 2017
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Use the right pronouns and name! But there may be times where it's safer to not use them, so just ask. Also make sure they know you have their back and will support them the whole way.
Anonymous
on
Nov 14, 2017
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Just act normal around them as tough you would a normal friend. They are no different in personality they might just be discovering who they are. If they are being bullied though, stand up for them, support them as they are still your friend just with an extra special bit on the side. :)
radiantFireworks51
on
Feb 12, 2018
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1. Don’t treat them any differently 2. Stand up for them 3. Just be a good friend as tho they weren’t transgender and just always be there for them 4. If they get surgery or hormones then maybe go with them to appointments
dreamSpace91
on
Mar 19, 2018
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Good idea. Give him a gift like make up. Support him by feelings and discuss with him.
Anonymous
on
Aug 13, 2018
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learn about trans struggles, listen to what your friend says about the issues their going through, be kind and understanding, and basically just try to educate yourself as much as possible
Anonymous
on
Dec 18, 2018
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One way you can support your transgender friend is to respect their pronouns. They are going through a tough time, especially with all of their new thoughts and hard times. Simply respecting their pronouns and their new name (if they have one) can mean a lot to them. Another way you can support them is to be there to help them if they need it. Just like any friend they need moral support and a good group of friends to help them with everything. You can make sure they understand that you are there for them by reassuring them that you are there for them.
Aayla
on
Jun 10, 2019
LGBTQ+ Issues Expert
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Just be there for you friend, make sure they know you're there for them, encourage them to open up about their feelings, hopes and worries, but without pushing them. And of course, use the pronouns and the name of their choice. Having someone by our side already makes all the difference in the world!
Anonymous
on
May 11, 2020
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I think the best thing you can do to support your friend is treating them normally. Use the right name and pronouns and just be their friend. If you make mistakes with pronouns or names at first that's okay, it happens but work hard to get them right. Use the right pronouns even when they're not there and don't always say their transgender or stuff like that. If they're struggling with dysphoria remind them they're valid and you love them. Often that helps a lot. I'm sure you're going to do great, and wish the best for you and your friend. Have a nice day!
Anonymous
on
Jan 12, 2021
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Some easy steps to take to support a transgender friend are to simply use their chosen name and the correct pronouns, and to correct others if(/when) they use the wrong name/pronouns. One of the best ways of supporting your friend is to simply stand by their side, as a friend, regardless of their gender-identity. A small, but almost certainly appreciated, step is to educate yourself on the matter. It won't take long, and it will really be worth it. Remember, though, that even if you do research on the topic, your friend is still the expert and they know best how they feel. Don't try to undermine their experiences; if something bothers them, it bothers them. (E.g. your friend is upset about someone misgendering them. Don't tell them it was probably a misunderstanding or that people aren't used to using the correct pronouns. Simply listening can be enough.) So, basically respect their identity and be a friend, just as you've always been.
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