The document discusses issues related to being transgender, including definitions, current events, statistics, prominent activists, and ways to support the transgender community. It defines what it means to be transgender, notes high rates of suicide attempts and unsafe feelings among transgender youth, and discusses the importance of using preferred pronouns and providing emotional support. The document advocates for gender-neutral bathrooms and celebrates victories like a gym upholding its non-discrimination policy regarding transgender members.

1. The T in LGBT
What does it mean to be transgender?

2. Defining “Transgender”
• “Transgender is when your gender identity doesn’t match
the gender assigned to you.”
• Gender identity? Gender assignment?
• “FtM” = Someone who was born female, but identifies
as/is male = “A transgender man.”
• Feelings of being in the wrong body – assigned the
wrong gender.

3. Current Events
• December 28th, 2014 - Leelah Alcorn
• Unsupportive parents, conversion therapy
• “Fix society. Please.” – Misgendered even after death.

4. Statistics
• 80% of transgender students feel
unsafe at school.
• 41% of transgender people have
attempted suicide.
• Supportive parents make a huge
difference!
• Out of 433 transgender people,
72% reported life satisfaction,
70% described their mental
health positively, and only 23%
suffered depression.
• 75% of transgender individuals
without supportive parents have
suffered depression, and 57%
have attempted suicide.

5. Laverne Cox
• Transgender activist, actress, and public speaker.
• Active on social media – Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
(Leelah Alcorn)
• Transgender pride and current events.
• “It Gets Better”
• “The T Word”
• Orange is the New Black
• Allure Magazine
• Time – 100 Most Influential People

6. Three Things to Know about
Being Transgender with Laverne
Cox
1. "Please do not ask us about our genitalia
unless you are a health care professional or
if you are seriously interested in dating us."
2. "We are so much more than the sum of our
parts as human beings. Please don't reduce
a transgender person to what surgery they
have had or haven't had."
3. "Pronouns matter, so please ask a trans
person what pronoun they prefer to be
referred to as.”

7. Fight for Gender-neutral
Bathrooms
• DoC survey find that 70% of transgender people have
issues in the bathroom.
• Importance of creating a safe-space for everyone.
(0:38)

8. Victories for the
Transgender Community
• Planet Fitness
• Woman’s membership revoked for complaining about a
transgender women in the locker room.
• “Planet Fitness is committed to creating a non-intimidating, welcoming
environment for our members. Our gender identity non-discrimination policy
states that members and guests may use all gym facilities based on their
sincere self-reported gender identity. The manner in which this member
expressed her concerns about the policy exhibited behavior that management at
the Midland club deemed inappropriate and disruptive to other members, which
is a violation of the membership agreement and as a result her membership was
cancelled.”

9. Refuge Restrooms
• Helps transgender people to locate gender-neutral bathrooms.
• “Non-gender conforming individuals.”

10. How to Help
• Don't be invasive! - Just like "normal" people, they don't want to
be asked about their genitalia, sexual orientation, or private sex life.
It's important to remind yourself that just because a person is
transgender does not mean they aren't human. Don't ask a
transgender person any questions that you wouldn't ask any other
person.
• Don't assume! - If you're unsure about the proper pronoun usage,
ask what pronouns he/she prefers! Although pronouns are short
words, they mean a world of a difference to a transgender person.
Using the correct pronoun when referring to your friend is a huge
way of showing your support and acceptance.
• Provide emotional support! - If a friend or a loved one is coming to
you to discuss how he/she is feeling, silence that iPhone of yours, sit
with him/her, and truly listen. Do not turn your back on a friend who
needs you. Help. Listen. Be a friend. Be an ally.
• Practice confidentiality! -Coming out is an incredibly difficult
process. If a friend is coming out to you about being transgender, it
is crucial that you respect them enough to keep such a big
announcement to yourself until he/she is ready to share with others.