I never know if I’m doing enough for trans people. I like to think of my stance towards trans folk as “benevolent indifference.” That is - I don’t care even the smallest bit if someone is trans. They’re a person, and that’s all that’s needed for my respect.
But I also recognize that that position isn’t always enough. It’s like when people said “All Lives Matter” in response to the BLM movement. Yes, all lives do matter, and my goal for society would be one where “All lives matter” is the only stance you need, but we don’t live in that world and sometimes we have to focus on protecting specific groups.
But, as a white, male, cisgenger christian I also don’t want to fall into a “white savior” leadership mentality, so I never know how loudly to speak out on behalf of groups I’m not a part of.
Staying silent when people spew hate is not acceptable. You must speak out when someone is an arse. A table with 9 silent people and a nazi is a nazi bus.
Here’s a good one. As a white cis guy, you will be part of private conversations where people are transphobic, because there’s no trans people about. You’ll be trusted to laugh and agree. Instead, challenge their behaviour. It’s a great way to use your privilege for good.
This also works for any kind of privilege.
I never know if I’m doing enough for trans people. I like to think of my stance towards trans folk as “benevolent indifference.” That is - I don’t care even the smallest bit if someone is trans. They’re a person, and that’s all that’s needed for my respect.
But I also recognize that that position isn’t always enough. It’s like when people said “All Lives Matter” in response to the BLM movement. Yes, all lives do matter, and my goal for society would be one where “All lives matter” is the only stance you need, but we don’t live in that world and sometimes we have to focus on protecting specific groups.
But, as a white, male, cisgenger christian I also don’t want to fall into a “white savior” leadership mentality, so I never know how loudly to speak out on behalf of groups I’m not a part of.
Staying silent when people spew hate is not acceptable. You must speak out when someone is an arse. A table with 9 silent people and a nazi is a nazi bus.
Here’s a good one. As a white cis guy, you will be part of private conversations where people are transphobic, because there’s no trans people about. You’ll be trusted to laugh and agree. Instead, challenge their behaviour. It’s a great way to use your privilege for good.
This also works for any kind of privilege.