13th – 19th November is Transgender awareness week.
This week is all about educating and raising awareness about the discrimination members of the LGBTQ+ face. We want to raise awareness about Trans rights as well as stopping violence and exclusion against members of the LGBTQ+ community. For example in April 2022 protests were held in response to the Government’s plan to exclude Trans people from the bill to ban Conversion Therapy. It is important to know how you can help support the advancement in trans rights and learn about the progress that has been made. This week also aims to educate society more about use of pronouns, language used and gaining respect.
What does Transgender mean?
Someone who is transgender has a gender identity that differs from the sex they were assigned with at birth.
You may have heard the phrase ‘transitioning’ being used when learning about what transgender means. This means when someone decides to change their identity and are going through the steps to do that. Some people decide to go through hormonal change whereas, others may decide just to change their name and pronouns. As these steps take time that is why someone may say that they are transitioning. There is not one way to become Transgender so everyones story may be different. Just because they decided not to physically change their bodies does not mean they are not Transgender. You can support in many ways, especially as transitioning can be an overwhelming time for someone.
Transgender Day of Remembrance is on the 20th November. This day is dedicated to those who have faced transphobic violence and is a reminder that things need to change to keep the LGBTQ+ community safe.
There are many charities and campaigns that have dedicated pages and services for the LGBTQ+ community and I have linked a few below.
GLADD – Focuses on working with media such as news and social media to share stories from the LGBTQ+ community. ‘GLADD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love’ (GLADD.org)
https://www.glaad.org/about
Norwich Pride – Pride is run by a community of volunteers to help celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Not only do they organise the Norwich Pride Parade every year but offers support and resources to anyone who may need it.
Action4TransHealth – Is the UK’s largest campaign for democratic health care and raises awareness about the lack of quality health care and research there is. You can easily find them on social media.
https://actionfortranshealth.org.uk/