The world today feels uncertain and scary. When we look at the issues faced by LGBTQ — especially trans and nonbinary — young people, it can feel overwhelming. There is so much discrimination and disinformation out there, sometimes it feels like there are problems too big to be solved.
While it’s true these issues are daunting, there are concrete ways to take action. The antidote to despair is getting involved and effecting change in individual lives.
Transgender Awareness Week is a one-week celebration every year — observed November 13 to November 19 — leading up to Trans Day of Remembrance on November 20. Even as we celebrate this community and the diverse identities of the folks within it, we also acknowledge the increasingly pressing need to fight for the rights of trans and nonbinary young people. The Trevor Project is commemorating Trans Awareness Week this year by acknowledging the wave of anti-trans legislation and asking LGBTQ young people and those who support them to take action by getting involved with our fight for equality.
We can all take the time to learn more about affirming language and how to be a better ally. Even if you’re LGBTQ yourself or feel well-versed in these topics, refreshing yourself is important. The Trevor Project has written A Guide to Being an Ally to Trans and Nonbinary Young People which covers topics like the difference between sex and gender, the basics of gender, pronouns, common mistakes and what to do if you’ve made one, and more. The Trevor Project also offers trainings aimed at increasing understanding of unique challenges LGBTQ young people often face, as well as our CARE training which focuses on suicide prevention and mental health.
It’s also important to take time to familiarize yourself with the daunting challenges facing trans and nonbinary young people. The Trevor Project’s 2022 National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health includes the most recent statistics on these sobering mental health challenges and some of the protective factors that matter to trans and nonbinary young people. Equipping yourself with this research can help you illustrate to others just how impactful affirmation can be and why trans and nonbinary young people need our support.
The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and mental health service for LGBTQ young people. We couldn’t provide the 24/7 services we do without support from allies. You can also donate to The Trevor Project and ensure we can continue to provide crisis services to LGBTQ young people, fundraise yourself, or amplify The Trevor Project’s life-saving mission and why it’s so important.
Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20 honors the memory of the trans and nonbinary people whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Today and always, we commemorate the lives of those trans individuals by reminding trans and nonbinary young people of our unending commitment to their safety and wellbeing. Taking action is how we will make change.
