Howdy everyone! I’m Kurt! Kicking off my first ever blog post as a community manager with a project fellow LGBTQ+ staff and community members collaborated together for Trans Day of Visibility! Trans Day of Visibility or TDOV for short, is recognized internationally as landing on March 31st. It is a day of celebration for trans achievements, contributions and resilience that also aims to foster an environment of inclusivity, respect, and support by highlighting the importance of recognizing and affirming the gender identity of transgender people.

We live in a time where many trans lives are at stake, but we are not merely targets of discrimination and hate. We are family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and most importantly– people. We are multi-faceted individuals with unique histories, identities and contributions to society. Such as dedicating our hearts to the same interests you may have, leading communities, and playing pivotal roles in the futures of your favorite wikis.

This blog post is the first of two to be posted today and tomorrow. In this, we share our perspectives in hopes of enriching others with a deeper understanding of our lives and experiences. Here are some of the wonderful folks I’d love to introduce y’all to for this year’s TDOV on Fandom!

Meet Jayce, aka SnowedLightning[]

I’m Jayce, a genderfluid person who uses they/them pronouns! (She/her if you’re lucky) I live in Pennsylvania, and I work as a pharmacy technician. When I’m not in PA, I like to travel to Canada, I love how pretty it looks. I also get to see a very important person in my life when I visit, and this person has absolutely helped me embrace the fluidity of my identity.

How long have you been on Fandom? What wikis are you from, and how did you become inspired to take on a leadership role/be a positive voice in your community?

15 years in May! I spent my time on Warriors and Community Central, and sometimes I also edit Wookieepedia when I feel I have DEI issues to yell about. I became inspired to take on my roles when I saw that the previous leaders were not doing what was best for the Warriors community- I got my admin rights after the previous administrator went MIA. I’ve been taking care of the wiki ever since, and it has become a second home for me.

What are your favorite fandoms and why? Has being transgender had an impact on the types of fandoms/hobbies you gravitate towards?

Besides Warriors, I also love Final Fantasy, Love Live!, and Mass Effect. I generally gravitate towards things that have character customization, because it allows me to exist in a universe as something completely different than how I look in real life. I can be masculine if I want to, or I can be feminine. It fluctuates, but I very much enjoy being able to design my characters instead of being stuck with just one choice or the other.

As a trans person, what’s one thing you want others to know about you?

Just because I present as a female, does not mean that I am. My physical appearance is just that. One person using pronouns for me does not give anyone else that privilege and it is extremely important to understand this. Clothing is not gendered either, and I will wear what makes me feel as comfortable as possible.

How would you describe gender euphoria? What is something that personally brings you gender euphoria?

Complete and total happiness in your existence. For me, that thrill of being called Jayce (as many on Fandom already do) and being addressed with my proper pronouns makes me happier than words can express. For me, my name is one of the most important things about my identity and being able to share that with others and introduce myself as Jayce is very euphoric.

How do you like to celebrate your identity and share that joy with others?

I will include the genderfluid colors everywhere I can. I also hang pride flags in my room, and carry a small pin with me at all times. I also wear many different shirts that show my pride as a gender non-conforming individual.

What is your favorite thing about being a member of the trans community? What is one thing others can learn from the trans community?

My favorite thing is that I can exist with a name that I chose for myself, and I can exist as myself without anyone questioning it. No one questions my name, my existence, or anything of the sort. One thing I’ve found that others could learn, is that they should not be afraid to ask questions. Please, ask me what it is like to live as a genderfluid person, ask me about my experiences, let me share my stories with you. People are too quick to assume that it’s just one or two quick choices and that’s that. There are often years and years of searching involved with a trans person’s identity and I wish people would let us tell those stories more often.

Could you share your experiences finding and building a support network or community, whether online or in real life?

My experiences in real life are sort of hit and miss, honestly. I come from an area that is traditionally very transphobic. I’ve found that sometimes, it is better to just stay quiet and provide support in other ways; such as voting for non-transphobic council members or taking part in local events. I do have a small group of friends in real life that I trust with this, but I do find that online communities are better suited for acceptance than my real life community.

For online, it was really just as easy as saying “I do not think this name and pronoun set describes me, can you call me this and use these pronouns for me and see how I like it?” That’s how it started ten years ago, and it will be like that for ten years in the future, if not moreso. I do want to change my legal name to Jayce to fully drive home the impact that the Fandom community has in accepting me for who I am.

What are some trans people/idols you look up to and why?

This is going to sound very stereotypical, but everyone who dresses in drag has my respect and adoration. They have the courage to be themselves, be happy, and be fabulous while doing it. I can only wish I had half the courage and skill they do.

Is there a particular moment or instance where seeing (or not seeing) trans representation in gaming or media had a profound effect on you?

Seeing Sister in the Star Wars book Queen’s Hope made me so extremely happy. She exists in the series, no one really questions it, and she is accepted and loved by all of her Clone trooper brothers. It’s not big, but it is so very important and seeing that really made me be a lot more open about who I am.

Looking forward, what are some changes or improvements you'd like to see in the gaming community or media representation of transgender individuals?

I really wish that inclusion was not seen as inherently political. Sure, sometimes it can be (and those are usually very obviously stated as such), but just the existence of trans folks should not cause such an uproar in media.

What are some ways that allies can be the most supportive to you and the trans community?

Listen to us! If we are telling you that something can be seen as transphobic, that does not give you the free pass to argue with us about why it isn’t transphobic. We already have it rough enough as it is, and being told that something is not as bad as it seems just makes us believe that our traumas and experiences are not good enough to warrant action.

What brings you the most joy about being trans and how can allies help amplify that joy?

Allies can help amplify the joys of being trans by sharing interviews like these, honestly. Please, share our stories, and let us yell from the rooftops. Or, in a quieter place if you prefer.

Is there a common myth or misconception about the transgender community that you wish to correct or dispel for a broader understanding?

Not all of us want to get surgery. It is not a required part of being a trans individual. For our trans siblings that want to, more power to you! I wish you the best! For those who do not, you are just as valid and welcome in the trans community. This may be because of financial backgrounds, general unease, or just because they flat out do not want to. I, for example, am currently one of those people. It does not mean I am any less of a trans individual.

What advice would you give to people who are currently exploring or navigating their identity? (i.e. questioning their gender and/or afraid to express themselves authentically/come out/transition/etc.)

Experimenting with names and pronouns is okay! Part of finding yourself is also finding what you are comfortable with. If you aren’t sure right now, that is okay! Ask your friends to try and use different names, see what sticks, see what feels right. Trust me when I say that you will know when you find out who you are meant to be. The name and pronouns will just sound beautiful, they will sound perfect. If it takes you a while to find something, that is also okay. We have a long life in this world, and there are people who do not find themselves until they are in the older times of their lives. Do not rush it because someone else has found who they are meant to be. You will figure it out one day, I promise. At the end of the day, I am still here for you no matter what you decide.

Meet Vec, aka Vector Sigma[]

Hi, my name is Vec and my pronouns are they/them. I am nonbinary and live in the United States. I’m currently working on my doctorate degree 🙂

How long have you been on Fandom? What wikis are you from, and how did you become inspired to take on a leadership role/be a positive voice in your community?

I’ve been on Fandom since 2016, primarily on the Warriors Wiki, but I remember lurking around the website since around 2010 in my middle school days. I became an administrator on the Warriors Wiki in 2020, though I never had any ambition for it. I just enjoy contributing to the wiki and working on mainspace content. It’s nice to know that the community has faith in my leadership skills when they agreed to my admin nomination. I must be doing something right haha.

What are your favorite fandoms and why? Has being transgender had an impact on the types of fandoms/hobbies you gravitate towards?

Transformers is one of my favorite fandoms, that’s where my username comes from. Warriors and Pokemon also have a close place in my heart as well. I don’t think being nonbinary has had an impact on the types of fandoms or hobbies I gravitate towards. I just find things that I enjoy :) Though if a fandom has a non-binary character, I tend to automatically gravitate towards them.

As a trans person, what’s one thing you want others to know about you?

I’m just a normal person like everyone else, trying to find their place in the world.

How would you describe gender euphoria? What is something that personally brings you gender euphoria?

Finding gender euphoria is finally feeling like you belong in your own skin. Like there was something off the entire time but you could never figure out what. Having the courage to embrace androgyny in my clothing and identity has really helped.

Could you share your experiences finding and building a support network or community, whether online or in real life?

I am fortunate to be a part of supportive online communities. My friends have always been accepting of my identity. I was originally hesitant to tell my friends that I wanted to go by they/them pronouns, but they were super supportive and nonchalant about it. It’s a bit harder to find supportive communities in real life because of where I live, but I’m fortunate to have found a few people who support me.

Is there a particular moment or instance where seeing (or not seeing) trans representation in gaming or media had a profound effect on you?

I enjoy seeing more non-binary characters in my favorite fandoms, it always makes me happy. My friend Spooky has done tremendous work confirming non-binary characters in various Star Wars media by reaching out to authors, such as Oshi Karmo, who appears in one of our favorite novels. I also love Anode and Lug from The Transformers: Lost Light comic series. Reading Anode’s explanation to Wipe-Out as to why she and Lug switched from he/him to she/her pronouns felt like viewing through a mirror. It made perfect sense to me.

I’m also quite fond of Zero from Star Trek: Prodigy. While technically their species is genderless, it’s thrilling to see a main character in a children’s television show use they/them pronouns. And it also helps that Zero is a talented flight control officer and member of the rag-tag crew of the USS Protostar!

Oh and reading Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe also felt like looking through a mirror as well. I could relate to several experiences the author went through in the book. It does tackle some adult themes, so I wouldn’t recommend it for young children. But I would definitely recommend it for perhaps older teens and adults who are questioning their identity.

Looking forward, what are some changes or improvements you'd like to see in the gaming community or media representation of transgender individuals?

I would like to see more non-binary and/or genderless characters take the center stage in the media. We’re making good progress, but I think more can be done.

What are some ways that allies can be the most supportive to you and the trans community?

Don’t be afraid to ask about pronouns! I do my best to make sure I have mine listed on my online profiles, but don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. I recently had someone who wasn’t a native English speaker kindly ask if I wouldn’t mind using my pronouns in a few example sentences so they could better understand their usage. That was a very rewarding conversation! Speak up for your fellow trans folk if you hear someone misgender them too. A simple, “oh by the way, Vec uses they/them pronouns” is all you need to say 🙂

What advice would you give to people who are currently exploring or navigating their identity? (i.e. questioning their gender and/or afraid to express themselves authentically/come out/transition/etc.)

It’s okay to be nervous and hesitant about coming out in real life. I can count on one hand how many folks I’ve came out to in real life, just out of fear of the current political climate and where I live. I am fortunate to have a very supportive online friend environment. It may take some time, but I hope you find a friend group to call your own. It’s okay to stay in the closet as long as you want. I will always support you and whatever you feel more comfortable with.

Meet Len, aka Lenhi[]

Hi, my name is Len! I use the pronouns he/they, and I identify as non-binary. I am located in the San Francisco Bay Area, and out in the real world I work in the hospitality industry and am also a character designer & illustrator currently working on a few upcoming indie video game projects!

How long have you been on Fandom? What wikis are you from, and how did you become inspired to take on a leadership role/be a positive voice in your community?

I’ve been on Fandom since March of 2015, so over 9 years now! My primary wiki for all these years has been the Steven Universe Wiki, and I became inspired to take on a leadership role in my community because I felt that I had a lot to share and offer to help elevate the quality of our wiki, and I just really enjoyed interacting with everyone I encountered because we had a fandom in common that brought us together.

What are your favorite fandoms and why? Has being transgender had an impact on the types of fandoms/hobbies you gravitate towards?

Some of my favorite fandoms are Steven Universe, Splatoon, and Animal Crossing. I feel like I ended up gravitating towards these different interests for a lot of different reasons. For Steven Universe, I became allured with it because, with my first impression, it’s a cool show comprised of a cast of primarily feminine-presenting characters who have different body types and features with fun alien magic involved, but I truly fell in love with it when it became clear that the intention for a lot of character dynamics and expression was congruent with queerness. For Splatoon and Animal Crossing, I just love the bright and colorful aesthetics coupled with a freedom to customize your character and world however you choose to do so without restrictions.

How would you describe gender euphoria? What is something that personally brings you gender euphoria?

To me, gender euphoria is the feeling of happiness I get when I am able to authentically express myself in alignment with my gender identity and when that feeling is validated by the people around me. When I am able to present myself in a way that feels authentic and true to who I am, it brings me a sense of happiness and fulfillment that is truly empowering. As a non-binary person, my euphoria can come from someone just using my preferred gender neutral name and pronouns, but also when my outwards presentation–mixing traditionally “masculine” and “feminine” aesthetics–is met with acceptance and even excitement from my peers who affirm my identity to me.

Could you share your experiences finding and building a support network or community, whether online or in real life?

Growing up, it, like for many others, was difficult to find peers in real life that I could comfortably share my experience with as a transgender individual. As a result, I wound up finding comfort in various online communities, like Fandom, to express my interests and inadvertently found support as a trans person through the people I met here. I’m proud to say that a lot of the friends that I made using this platform have stuck around with me for almost ten years now, and they have been a vital part of my journey as a queer person. Even though I did not necessarily intend to find this sense of community, life just happens wherever you end up making it. Fandom culture ended up being vital to building my support system that I’m grateful to have in my life.

What are some trans people/idols you look up to and why?

One trans person I look up to is Sophie, a transgender woman, who had a significant impact on music through her pioneering work in the realm of electronic and pop music. She was known for pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories, blending elements of avant-garde, pop, and dance music in her productions. Her artistry and activism for the transgender community touched so many lives, and she was truly ahead of her time even years after her passing.

Is there a particular moment or instance where seeing (or not seeing) trans representation in gaming or media had a profound effect on you?

One of my favorite games of all time, Splatoon, removed all gender-specific language and limits in the latest installation of their game, Splatoon 3. “Male” and “female” have been removed in favor of just selecting a body model “style,” limits on what hairstyles you can have been removed, and gender-specific language like “fangirl/fanboy” and “queen/king” have been changed to “fan” and “ruler” respectively. As a non-binary person who prefers gender neutral language being applied to them, this made me overjoyed–I no longer had to accept being put into one of two boxes by default as a prerequisite to play my favorite game, and I could have my Splatoon character be an Octoling with a ponytail and a less-curvy body model without being called a “girl” or “boy”.

What are some ways that allies can be the most supportive to you and the trans community?

I always feel that support starts with noticing the little things. Just as one of many examples, you should always take care to make sure that you are using the correct pronouns and preferred gender-specific/gender neutral language that a trans person would prefer. If you don’t know, just ask! If for some reason you use the incorrect language, apologize and correct yourself without making a big deal. I personally am understanding if someone slips up by mistake because no one speaks perfectly poised, but it starts to hurt when it’s doted on to where it feels like I’m burdening someone by asking for validating language to be used with me. Seemingly small things can really have a huge impact!

What advice would you give to people who are currently exploring or navigating their identity? (i.e. questioning their gender and/or afraid to express themselves authentically/come out/transition/etc.)

My piece of advice for anyone exploring their gender identity is to trust your instincts and be kind to yourself. You are on a great big journey of self-discovery, and, for most of us, that is coupled with a lot of questioning and going through phases of figuring out what identities or labels feel most akin to our feelings with our gender. You are the expert on yourself, and you deserve the freedom to find yourself outside of whatever society may expect you to be. It’s okay to feel confused, scared, or unsure of where you find yourself to be, but you are valid and are always deserving of respect and love, and there is a diverse community of people who have gone through similar struggles who are here to support you.

Trans folk are at the beating heart of our communities, including behind the scenes as members of Fandom staff. I’m proud to also share the interviews of Fandom staff who also participated in making this project a reality!

Meet Kuba[]

Hiya! I’m Kuba (read as Coo-ba), and I’m an Ad QA Analyst. This means that I’m one of the people responsible for ensuring the quality execution of any campaign that goes through Fandom. I live in Poznań, Poland, identify myself as non-binary, and go by any pronouns (though I’m kinda lazy so I usually stick with he/him). Not sure if these are considered fun, but here are some moderately interesting facts:

• Though I’m a part of Fandoms’s Sales Org, I wouldn’t be able to sell anything to anyone.
• In my spare time, I’m a mathematician. I algebraized Minecraft crafting, created a proof-theoretic Sudoku solver, and my work on generating crossword puzzles was cited! (once)

What are your favorite fandoms and why? Has being transgender had an impact on the types of fandoms you gravitate towards?

I play a lot of economy and strategy games, which are quite well-known for their trans-riddled community. I don’t know why this is the case, but I’ve always preferred to keep away from the mortal plain. I think one of the ways this manifested is my non-binarity, and another was preferring games where the player’s character wasn’t really a character.

Besides that, I watch lots of anime and Western animation. I finished watching Mob Psycho 100 like half a year ago and I still can’t get over how amazing it was. While the show is amazing in general, I think I might have reached for it partly because of the main character and his gender-neutral design.

I recently dove into the Douglas Adams rabbit hole and am amazed to the point where I’m actively thinking of using the entirety of his work as my preferred pronouns.

How would you describe gender euphoria? What is something that personally brings you gender euphoria?

Honestly? I haven’t really seen this phrase pop up anywhere. But I think I had that feeling. You see, while I started describing myself as enby around 3 years ago, I’m still discovering new assumptions I had about myself. Some concern my masculinity, but some stem from different sources – even from how I perceive non-binarity. So, with time, I’m slowly departing from not only the cisgender assumptions about myself but also preconceived notions about what being enby is about. This inside storm brings a weird feeling of peacefulness and tranquillity, that’s lasting longer and longer with every broken assumption. That to me is gender euphoria.

Is there a particular moment or instance where seeing (or not seeing) trans representation in gaming or media had a profound effect on you?

Uhh, not really to be honest. Maybe I’m bad at remembering characters and people, but I honestly can’t think of any transgender characters in media, let alone nonbinary ones. I’d guess that’s why I’m trying to relate to the gender-neutral designs of some cis characters.

In the workplace, what experiences and connections have made you feel welcomed?

Actually, I can’t stop thinking about what happened during our Global Sales Conference this year. I was trying to somehow combine smart casual and gender-neutral in my outfits, so I came up with a perfect combo: overalls and a shirt with colourful sheep. When I put it on, I was quite worried it might look childish or not fit the others. However, throughout the day I got hundreds of compliments, both from my close colleagues and coworkers I haven’t spoken with. I haven’t received that many compliments in a single day ever. I’m amazed by the amount of support and validation I got, and I really am thankful to everyone who expressed their feelings about my outfit!

What are some ways that allies can be the most supportive to you and other trans colleagues?

I don’t know about others, but my advise is just don’t change. I mean treat trans people with respect (obviously), use their preferred pronouns, don’t ask weird questions, and all that. However, coming out as trans doesn’t really change anything – your friend probably knew about it for a long time already and was okay with how your relationship is going. We don’t want to lose you just because you were walking on eggshells not to offend us.

What is your favorite thing about being a member of the trans community? What is one thing others can learn from the trans community?

It’s not my favourite thing, but I LOVE the music made by trans people, especially the lyrics. It usually gets a bit NSFW, and I just got a promotion, so I’ll keep it to the minimum here. “It’s Okay To Cry”, or “Whole New World” (both by Sophie) are just such great examples of how diverse and unconventional both electronic music and its lyrics can be. One of my favourite songs is basically about trans people going “yeah, you were right; we ARE viruses and demons, and now we’re going to rave this civilization into oblivion”. It’s probably the coolest way of reclaiming how some people view us.

What guidance or wisdom would you share with those who are currently exploring or navigating their identity?

Definitions and concepts are human constructs. They make it simpler for us to understand the world, but it is always much more complex. That’s why we’re taught about three states of matter, but apparently, there is a whole Wikipedia list of them. That’s also why you probably won’t fit neatly into any of the groups in the Trans community. That’s okay, though. You can feel however you want to feel, and you can express however you want to express. The name is only useful when you want to explain to others who you are, and either you’ll still spend countless hours talking about it, or the person doesn’t need to know. So please don’t worry.

Meet Beau[]

• Beau Brink
• He/him
• Editorial SEO Manager
• Trans man specifically, genderqueer broadly
• Chicago born, raised, and til I die
• Fun facts: I’m distantly related to Darryl Hannah, a suit of armor that belonged to an ancestor of mine is on display in the Met, and I’m an expert crocheter (I used to crochet my drag).

What are your favorite fandoms and why? Has being transgender had an impact on the types of fandoms you gravitate towards?

To answer the last question first: Being trans and queer affects the fandoms I gravitate to in that I tend to stay away from notoriously toxic fandoms and anything that’s fixated on cishetero romance (see Jane Ward’s The Tragedy of Heterosexuality). But in positive terms, in terms of what I’m drawn to, I don’t think it has an effect. Being trans is kind of just a concrete reality of my life rather than a personality trait for me, though no judgment to trans folks who are in that place. If anything, it has the same effect that growing up in the punk and DIY scene has – I enjoy convention-breaking, indie, low-budget, and experimental media.

That being said, to cite a very mainstream property, my lifelong favorite fandom is Zelda; I’ve been playing it with my dad since I was maybe five years old. I would point out that Tears of the Kingdom has a lot of really lovely storylines about transformation and change, what a powerful force for good it can be (think: main storyline), and how families and friends can support people who are going through big changes. In Koltin’s storyline, Kilton supports his brother’s desire to transform into a Satori despite not understanding it, because he knows it will make Koltin happy; in Mattison’s, Hudson has to learn to let go of the child he thought she was and recognize her independence and autonomy and appreciate her for the person she’s becoming. There’s a lot there for family and friends of trans people to mull over.

How would you describe gender euphoria? What is something that personally brings you gender euphoria?

For me gender euphoria has been a sense of “Finally!” I spent literally my whole life trying to assert my masculinity and authority figures and close relations pushed back hard for the first three decades. I wasn’t allowed to wear “boy clothes” until I had my own money to spend on them, choir directors wouldn’t train my voice down because they needed more sopranos, friends would “reassure” me that I was super feminine when I said that I thought I looked like a man (pro tip: masculine women don’t need to be reassured, either!). The weight of other people’s expectations of gender is really oppressive to all of us, including cis people. As a trans person I got to shed them and opt in to the expectations I wanted – I would strongly encourage cis people to do the same, to take a hard, critical look at their performance of their gender and examine whether they’re doing it to meet other people’s expectations or they’re doing it because it makes them happy. Cis people deserve euphoria too.

My vocal dysphoria was really intense because I was a classically trained chamber singer as a kid. When I started hormone therapy, I trained my voice down using Trixie Mattel’s music (she’s a tenor) and then Orville Peck’s (baritone). The first time I ever sang “Rock N Roll Suicide” by David Bowie in the original key was one of the happiest moments of my life.

Is there a particular moment or instance where seeing (or not seeing) trans representation in gaming or media had a profound effect on you?

• Yes – Contrapoints’ first video on Joanne Rowling’s transphobia was what prompted me to come out as binary trans. I knew Rowling was transphobic, obviously, but the breakdown of her bigotry and just how cruel she and her cohort of British anti-trans activists are, especially the things they have to say about trans men, really got under my skin in a way that felt very, very personal, too personal to not be, you know, about me. I sat on it for six months before I had to come out. I’m very glad to be in an organization where content around Rowling is handled sensitively, but I’m waiting for the day that we all just move on from the Harry Potter universe – looking back, the books reflect a very hostile, meanspirited worldview (as Ursula K. Le Guin pointed out almost 20 years ago) that I wouldn’t want my son engaging with regardless of the author’s bigotry.

• In terms of positive representation, though, Mae Martin’s whole oeuvre is fascinating, and I think they’re a really good embodiment of the kind of fun, squirrelly energy transmasc people in my life have tended to have. I think Mae has the potential to make a huge difference for trans and nonbinary representation in media, partly because the account they’ve given of their life through Feel Good and Handsome and other projects is so much broader and deeper than just their coming out story – you can’t really reduce Mae to “trans person” alone, which is so, so important for media representation. (As a bonus, they did the community proud on Taskmaster season 16!)

As a trans person in the workplace, what’s one thing you want others to know about you?

It’s not offensive to laugh at the jokes I make about being trans. Heck, dollars to donuts they’re funnier than Dave Chappelle’s.

Have you experienced situations that were not fully inclusive or understanding towards transgender individuals while at work? How could those situations be avoided or improved?

I had a situation where I was called out for my privilege as a white man by a cis white man as part of DEI work. I appreciate callouts, and I think that he was right about that situation in many regards. But I don’t appreciate having my experience lumped in with the experiences of cis men. I know that might seem counterintuitive, in that you’d think trans people want to be considered a part of the binary cis group we align with. That’s true for some trans people, but definitely not all, and not me. I spent the first 34 years of my life being perceived and treated as a girl and then a woman, which obviously means that the issue of gender-based privilege is more nuanced for me. When we’re working toward diversity in the workplace, we need to, you know, acknowledge the ways in which we’re diverse.

It may be good for cis people to know that trans men aren’t aspiring cis men, we’re just trans men (same for trans women/cis women). I aspire to my own life, not anyone else’s.

What are some ways that allies can be the most supportive to you and other trans colleagues?

I’ve spoken about allyship extensively (on Conspirituality and NowThis), and since I made those media appearances, conditions have only gotten worse for the trans community in the United States and abroad. So I’m going to say this with the fullest chest I can: Allies, sharing posts and making donations is not activism and it’s not enough to protect the less than 1% of the population that is trans. We need allies to show up with their actual physical bodies to stand with us – we’ve been standing for each other with our own actual, physical, trans bodies for decades, and we need you there too. Go to PFLAG meetings, volunteer at your local LGBTQ+ community center or nonprofit, counterprotest anti-trans activists in your area, go to school board meetings and voice your support for us.

At work, one important form that cis allyship can take is acknowledging that LGBTQ+ people have often radically different ethical and cultural mores, and radically different life experiences, than cishet people. We don’t always have birth families that we’re in touch with or have the support of (and may emphasize chosen family more), we have different beauty standards, it’s harder for us to find steady housing and employment, and we come from a nonhierarchical culture of mutual aid. That means our career paths are rarely as linear as those of cishets, and we probably had to go through very different things to land in the same workplace as our cishet colleagues. If you’re going to practice inclusivity at work, you need to be open to atypical or non-normative ways of thinking. Everyone’s life experiences inform the way they approach their jobs, and if you want respect for yours, you need to respect your colleagues’ too.

Is there a common myth or misconception about the transgender community that you wish to correct or dispel for a broader understanding?

No one is as sensitive about pronouns as we’re made out to be by the media. Trans people absorb misgendering all day, every day without complaint. The at-work corollary to this is that I do appreciate apologies for misgendering, but the best apology of all is letting your embarrassment go, taking your own time to reflect on why it happened, working on it privately, and not letting it happen again. Either way, I’m not inclined to make a big deal about it, not least of all because it doesn’t help me feel more comfortable at work (or anywhere) to have more people observing the fact that my gender and sex assigned at birth aren’t the same.

What is your favorite thing about being a member of the trans community? What is one thing others can learn from the trans community?

Two things come to mind – first, that gender hierarchies are kind of pointless in the trans community. With very few exceptions, you’re not going to hear trans people telling cis people that they should be limited in their social roles or life choices by their chromosomes, anatomy, or personal presentation. And after three decades of living among the cisgendered, that’s a huge relief.

The other is that because the trans community has been so marginalized for so long, we’ve had to create a culture in which we help each other by default. In our community, you’ll hear a lot about things like different people or groups sending the same $20 back and forth to each other depending on who needs it at that particular moment in time, or trans strangers intervening for each other when one is in trouble in public spaces. I don’t belong to any other group that is so generous with so little as trans people are with each other.

What guidance or wisdom would you share with those who are currently exploring or navigating their identity?

Get off of the internet until you feel grounded in your own identity. It amplifies the trolliest voices and makes it seem like you’re not going to survive being gender nonconforming, however that shakes out, when you need to just face your own reality and carve out space for your gender expression within it. That’s going to look different for everyone, and it might wind up being easier or harder than people on the internet would make you think.

Lastly, how do you think we can best celebrate trans lives, whether that be in the workplace or in our own everyday lives?

I would consider it a celebration of my life if cis people would be kinder, less judgmental, and more open-minded toward themselves and each other when it comes to their own gender identities. I feel a lot of empathy for cis people – they have so much baggage about gender and are cruel to themselves about it before they ever even find out what “transgender” means. I wish they knew the kind of acceptance I get to have within my community, and I hope a few people reading this extend that acceptance to themselves.

Closing today's post![]

Thank you so much to everyone who shared parts of themselves today, together we make strides for those like us who are unable to be seen. You are heard, appreciated and valued. Keep an eye out for tomorrow’s post continuing our celebration of TDOV, where we will highlight the stories of more trans folk across the platform!

And now, a question for you, the reader!

In what ways can you challenge stereotypes and support transgender visibility and recognition in your daily work?

Want to stay up to date on the latest feature releases and news from Fandom?
Click here to follow the Fandom staff blog.

Click here to sign up for the From the Desk of Community email newsletter.

Want to get real-time access to fellow editors and staff?
Join our Official Discord server for registered editors!