How to actually be a good ally to trans people, after the abhorrent Supreme Court ruling

With yesterday’s ruling by the Supreme Court changing things potentially forever for how trans people get treated in this country, it cane feel like you’re helpless to try and make things better in every way you can to be a good ally to the people most unfairly persecuted in the country. As trans people try to honestly just live and get treated equally, you’d think by the way the “gender critical” who seek to take their rights away that it was those identifying as transgender who are committing atrocities and screwing the economy. If you’re flicking through social media and seeing the outpouring of love and solidarity for trans people in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling and want to find some ways to be more active in being an ally, here’s what to do to help – as well as some advice from a trans woman.

How to help, from a trans woman

If you’re like me and want to always better yourself as a trans ally when times like yesterday with the Supreme Court ruling makes it feel impossible to know how to help – who better to hear it from than a trans person? The trans experience is different from person to person of course, and there is no set way. I asked Molly Marsh, a writer, comedian, and someone I’m lucky to have as a very close friend, about how in her view we can help trans people and be good allies.

“The best ways to be an ally are really quite simple. Remind the trans people in your life that they are loved, and show this love. My flatmate bought me flowers yesterday and it meant so much. Treat us like you would treat anyone going through something difficult.

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A post shared by Molly Martian 💖 🏳️‍⚧️ (@mollymartian_)

“If you have money to give, give it to trans fundraisers. Getting surgery and other medical treatment is harder than it was just a few years ago. Getting jobs is harder for trans people than it used to be. So every little helps.

“Speak up in conversations about trans people. When you hear family or friends expressing transphobic sentiment, loudly oppose it. Trans people are an extremely small minority who have somehow become the focus of so much national conversation. We won’t survive without strong, clear, cis allyship. I get that these conversations can be hard, but they’re even harder for us.”

Is it good to share stuff on social media?

Molly explains: “Posting on social media can sometimes feel performative, but in my opinion it’s only performative when it’s not accompanied by any solid, real-world action (attending protests, standing up for trans people out in the world, challenging transphobia in real life conversations). Posting is useful and helps spread important messages, but if it’s the only thing you’re doing, it’s probably performative. I roll my eyes when I see people posting infographics on stories but being silent when the topic comes up in real life conversations.

“And a small thing – it’s “trans women”, not “transwomen” as some newspapers have unhelpfully written on their front pages today. Trans is an adjective.  “Transwoman” is not a word.”

Educate yourself on the history of trans people’s fight for equality

Taking time to learn about trans history is a meaningful step toward understanding the ongoing fight for equality. It’s also important to explore how different parts of a person’s identity like race, class, or ability intersect and shape the experiences of trans people. Supporting positive change means speaking out against all forms of bigotry whenever we encounter them – whether that’s with friends, family, at work, or in our wider communities.

As allies, we need to go beyond the usual circles and conversations. When we know what we’re talking about, we’re more equipped to educate those who might share transphobic views around us and can call it when we see it.

Connect with your MP and put pressure on them

Writing, emailing, even tagging them on social media – all helpful. But even better: Try and meet them and put across to them why you think it’s important to stand up for trans people and try and push to them what they can do to help. If they don’t seem interested, call it out. It is the duty of an MP to listen to constituents on issues that matter.

Join protests

Look for ways you can support any marches or protests in your city. Engage with the communities and speak out, if the Supreme Court ruling upset you trans people need as many allies to help at demonstrations as possible. Keep safe, make sure the protest is accessible for your needs when you’re there and be visible.

Volunteer with organisations, and donate if you can

Look up trans charities and organisations where you can volunteer your time and try to help make a difference. If you can afford to, look where is accepting donations. These things matter.

To learn more about transgender rights or lend your support, please check out the charity Mermaids in the UK.