Written by: Tamara Dawood

What does it mean to be a trans-ally? When writing this piece, I was introspective in terms of what I considered the term trans-ally meant. To me a trans-ally is an individual who is a passionate advocate for their trans peers. They are a friend, a chosen family member, an individual who assists in the seeking of equality and equity for their trans peers and alongside their trans peers.

But what does being a trans-ally entail? Again, I was introspective in terms of considering what that meant. The conclusion I came to was that an individual can be a trans-ally in a range of multifaceted ways. In a more generalist sense, they can offer support by means of volunteering at local LGBTIQ or Trans-persons assistance organisations or they can offer support by assisting LGBTIQ charities and donating to them. However more intricately they can be a support to a trans peer through their presence. They can offer comfort and kindness. The entire concept of being a trans-ally I feel is slightly saddening in a sense; because it entails that an individual who has every right to choose their own being is reduced to needing an ally to stand with them to help validate a choice that they in every respect and right should have. To me being a trans-ally is simply showing compassion and empathy towards another human being; attempting to see the world through their eyes and how they envision it.

Being a trans-ally does not have to involve grand statements of support or large donations, it can simply be a quiet voice that provides support to a struggling trans peer. Being a trans-ally does not need to encompass grandeur, it just needs to incorporate compassion. Any human being wants their humanity to be validated and respected and this is what being a trans-ally is.