Trans Awareness Week Resources
Transgender Awareness Week, observed November 13 to November 19, is a one-week celebration leading up to the Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20), which memorializes victims of transphobic violence.
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Awareness is a great first step, but is only a first step to eliminating transphobia. After you are aware trans people exist (which would be difficult not to know, given how much news coverage & policymaking is devoted to our existence right now), it is important to keep learning.
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Awareness paired with action is a powerful way to become a better ally to transgender people.
Clear, practical, everyday ways to disrupt transphobia
Here are 6 clear, practical, everyday tips to disrupt transphobia, whether it shows up in conversations, institutions, or internalized beliefs. These tips work for allies, leaders, and anyone who wants to shift culture:
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1. Interrupt misinformation immediately and calmly
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Transphobia thrives on myths and misinformation. You don’t need to be an expert to intervene; just pause the conversation and say: “Actually, that’s not accurate. Here’s what we know…” Then offer a simple fact or redirect to credible sources. Consistent myth-busting, especially delivered calmly, shifts norms over time.
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2. Normalize pronouns and gender diversity everywhere
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Share your pronouns in intros, email signatures, or bios without making it a big deal. This signals that gender diversity is expected, not exceptional. It also removes the spotlight from trans and nonbinary people and places it on shared practice.
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3. Redirect conversations from identity debates to real-world impact
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Don’t get stuck arguing about “beliefs.” Refocus on how policies, language, and actions affect real people.
For example: “Let’s talk about what actually helps keep people safe and supported.”
This keeps the conversation grounded, human, and more difficult to derail.
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4. Challenge “jokes” and microaggressions before they become normalized
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Staying silent in these moments is not only a sign of approval of transphobic remarks, it is permission to say them again. It doesn’t matter if they say it’s “just a joke.” Humor often disguises hostility.
A simple: “Not cool” or “Hey, that stereotype isn’t accurate” sends a clear signal that transphobic remarks aren’t acceptable and won’t be allowed to go unchecked in your presence.
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5. Center and uplift trans voices
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Lift up trans creators, experts, organizers, and colleagues. Share their work. Quote and credit them. If someone asks a question you’re not the best one to answer, say: “Here’s what I know, and here’s a trans person whose work goes deeper.” This shifts power, not just opinions.
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To read more about the lived experiences of transgender athletes, pre-order our new book, "Fair Game: Trans Athletes & The Future Of Sport," out January 2026.
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6. Practice proactive inclusion, not reactive tolerance
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Instead of waiting for a trans person to show up, build spaces that are already affirming:
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gender-neutral forms
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inclusive restrooms
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trans-aware staff training
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policies that explicitly protect gender identity and expression
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gender-neutral uniforms/equipment
Transphobia weakens when the environment is already structured to be welcoming.
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