12 Little Things You Can Do To Promote Trans Equality
We often wonder just what does it take to move a mountain like getting the larger community to accept (and hopefully) embrace transgender, genderqueer or gender questioning people.
The truth is that many of us have moved many mountains in our lives. We have earned degrees, launched careers, raised families, started businesses and so much more. And when you think about those accomplishments - your accomplishments - so many of them involved little steps. The biggest goals are not accomplished in one fell swoop... Instead they are achieved by taking one step forward at a time while keeping your goals and priorities in mind.
So how do you move a mountain? The answer is obvious... You do it one shovel full at a time. With that in mind, here is a list of things you can do to promote trans equality. Some of the items on this list may seem daunting, but so many of them are little things - things that take no more than 15 minutes.
Our personal favorites are the ones that increase the visibility of our community while supporting local businesses. Studies show that positively interacting with someone for as little as 15 minutes can change their attitude and their mind. So take a look and pick out something - something little - that you can do to change a mind today.
#1: Attend a local transgender support group meeting to learn more about trans issues
#2: Ask your library to carry books that deal positively with trans people #3: Invite your mayor or other elected official to address a trans group or town meeting #4: Visit a museum or attend a cultural or sporting event with a trans friend #5: Start an online community or a blog that deals with an issue that is important to you #6: Donate money to an organization providing direct services for transgender people #8: Visit the offices of your congressional representative and educate them about trans issues
#9: Volunteer in your community
#10: Support local businesses and restaurants that are trans-friendly
#11: Write an op-ed for your local paper
#12: Vote for and support candidates that support the trans community
So how do you move a mountain? The answer is obvious...One shovel full at a time. So, let's get start shoveling!