A version of this article was originally published in 2019

Yesterday (April 16), the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex. The case was brought forward by ‘gender-critical’ group For Women Scotland (FWS) and backed by anti-trans figurehead JK Rowling as the culmination of a long-running challenge brought against the Scottish government over the legal definition of a woman. No trans people were represented during the case.

It’s still unclear exactly what this ruling will mean in practice – some have stressed that trans women are still entitled to protection under the Equality Act, and that it’s still illegal to discriminate against trans people – but the ruling is evidently an alarming and disturbing step back in the fight for trans rights. It will likely have wide-ranging implications, including an impact on how single-sex spaces and services are run across England, Scotland and Wales. The ruling has been widely condemned by human rights groups, with Amnesty UK describing the decision as both “disappointing” and “concerning.”

It’s easy to feel powerless and despondent in light of news like this. But there are actions we can all take to combat the insidious rise of transphobia in the UK and show solidarity with the trans community. In 2019, Dazed sent avant-garde rapper and performance artist Brooke Candy along to the capital’s first-ever trans pride march, to speak with some of the thousands of attendees and gather tips on how to be a good ally to the trans community. Today, their insights remain as relevant and inspiring as ever. Read our guide to supporting the trans community below.

PROTEST

In response to the Supreme Court ruling, a number of trans rights groups have organised an emergency demo in London this Saturday (April 19), meeting at Parliament Square at 1pm. Organisers include Trans Kids Deserve Better, Front for the Liberation of Intersex, Non-binary and Trans People (FLINT), and TransActual.

“We won’t disappear and we won’t back down,” said organisers in a statement posted to social media. “Join us and show transphobes, the far right, and the government: this is far from over.”

If you’re unable to get to the London protest, keep an eye on social media for news of similar upcoming protests in your area or consider reaching out to a local charity and organising your own.

EDUCATE YOURSELF

Instead of asking trans people to educate you about themselves, spend some time researching their experience and ways you can support them. “We are in the world of the internet,” marcher Jamie told Candy. “We have Google! If you want to know all the ways that we’re struggling and all the ways you can help us, the best thing to do is take some time out of your day and actually research it yourself, rather than putting that emotional labour on trans people.”

Another marcher called Tom agreed, explaining that it’s “not the responsibility of minorities to give you all the information that you need to be an ally”. Tom also asserted the importance of finding resources written by trans and queer people, “so you know the source is legit”.

RAISE TRANS VOICES ABOVE YOURS

Too often, minorities are forced to debate their identities with people who have no understanding of their experience – looking at you, Piers Morgan – so one key thing to do in order to be an ally is to listen to what trans people have to say, and raise their voices above your own. “The media in the UK is so transphobic,” Voices4 London trustee Joe explained, “and (trans issues aren’t) being discussed in a way that actually benefits us, so to be a good ally, support trans people and give them the voice they haven’t been given.”

“Shut up and listen to what people are telling you,” Triv Tetra asserted. “Don’t speak out loud about loads of stuff if you don’t know what you’re actually saying.” Public figures like author Shon Faye, 2019 Dazed100 runner-up ContraPoints, and activist and model Munroe Bergdorf have carved vital spaces for their voices, despite idiot trolls trying to shout them down.

“Depending on your level of privilege and the space that you’re in,” Tom told Candy. “It might be better to make space for others as opposed to taking up space of your own. You can show solidarity just with your presence. Sometimes there are other people whose voices need to be amplified more than others – trans people of colour, for example.”

“It’s not the responsibility of minorities to give you all the information that you need to be an ally” – Tom

PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS

One easy way to show your allyship is to donate money to trans people’s transition surgery crowdfunders, grassroots organisations, or charities. “Even the smallest donation would make a lot of difference,” singer Andrea Di Giovanni said. Marcher Adumi urged the importance of donating money to fund queer spaces: “Go to these spaces, talk to people, and ask questions!”

“Put your money where your mouth is,” artist Spiritual Baddie continued. “We’re not just here at Pride, we’re always here – 12 months a year – and we should be represented.” 

KNOW THE LOCAL RESOURCES FOR TRANS PEOPLE AND LIFT THEM UP

Knowing the organisations and resources that offer much-needed support to trans people is vital in being an ally, not only in the sense that you can donate to these places, but also to enable you to offer advice about where your trans friend can turn at a time of need. 

“Mermaids is a brilliant charity around trans youth,” marcher Jamie affirmed, “and they have really great information about things like non-binary identities.” Mermaids UK was established in 1995 by a group of parents whose children didn’t conform to gender norms. The organisation campaigns for the recognition of gender dysphoria in young people and calls for improvement in medical and social services. According to Spiritual Baddie, another key organisation to know is Spectra: “They specialise in sexual and mental health with trans people, and have counselling services, free sexual health checks, and a mentoring programme.”

“If you live in London, we run a DIY activists network called Transmissions,” the activist group’s founder and trans pride organiser Lucia Blake told Candy. “We host weekly workshops, we get clothes to trans people, access to healthcare.” Transmissions also calls for better representation on the world’s runways, previously staging a trans-inclusive runway show outside LFW HQ, and throwing an alternative Fashion Week after-party. Blake also shouted out renowned LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, as well as the importance of “keeping up to date with trans issues” which can be done by following people like trans performance artist and Dazed100 alum Travis Alabanza.

As well as spotlighting Voices4 – “they’re a really incredible grassroots organisation” – Tom suggested some LGBTQ+ websites that all allies should know. “Them is amazing, it’s a social publishing platform that posts loads about queer rights. Queerty is also a really good source.” Other sites include PinkNews and Advocate.

ALWAYS STAND UP FOR TRANS PEOPLE IF YOU SEE THEM BEING HARASSED

Although this might sound like something you’re certain you’d do, trans people are often left isolated when being harassed in public. “If you’re on public transport and you see somebody harassing a trans person, say something,” Di Giovanni said. “Even the slightest thing in support would make us feel so much safer, and for our mental health it makes us feel like somebody cares about us.” 

Marcher Blake echoed this sentiment: “If you see someone laughing at a trans person, or mocking them, call them out! Humiliate them and be like, ‘bullying isn’t cool actually’ – just completely put them in their place.” The Transmissions founder also emphasised the importance of “raising your kids to be accepting, and educating them on trans issues”. 

LOOK AFTER YOUR TRANS FRIENDS

Being an ally is also just the same as being a friend. Treat all trans people as you would any friends – ask them how their day was, find out if something is bothering them, just be there. “Asking ‘what do you need right now?’ is always lovely to hear,” Jamie told Candy. “Sometimes it might just be like, ‘I need a hug, I need to be able to talk about what’s going on, maybe I just need to take my shoes off because they fucking hurt’. It might just be that, but it could also be emotional support as well.”

“Don’t be a cunt,” marcher Farah summarised. “Just love people for who they are, not the shoes they wear, the dick they rock, or the pussy they rock. We love pussy, but we hate cunts.”