how to be a transgender ally
http://msmarkieanna.tumblr.com/post/302751803/how-to-be-a-transgender-ally HOW TO BE A TRANSGENDER ALLY
By Brett-Genny Janiczek Beemyn, UMass
1. Validate people's gender expression. It is important to refer to transgender people by the pronoun appropriate to their gender identity. In other words, if someone identifies as female, then refer to the person as "she"; if someone identifies as male, refer to the person as "he." If you are not sure, ask them. Never use the word "it" when referring to someone who is transgender. To do so is incredibly insulting and disrespectful. Some transgender people prefer to use gender- neutral pronouns: "hir" instead of "her" and "his," and "sie" or "ze" instead of "she" and "he."
2. Use non-gendered language to avoid making gender assumptions. Refer to people by name, instead of calling them "sir"/ma'am" or "Mr."/"Ms."
