Take Action: How You Can Help  

After reading about the significant issues transgender people face in today’s unequal society, you are probably wondering what you can do to advance their cause. In short, there’s a lot you can do, from getting involved in your local community, to writing letters to your Congressperson. Read on to learn how you can take action.

Go Local

Organizing is one of the most effective ways to make change on certain political issues. By joining a transgender advocacy group in your area, you’ll be spurring grassroots change and helping the gender-variant people in your local area. More voices are better than one. You can visit this site to find the local transgender advocacy groups near you.

Write to Congress

One of the most powerful things you can do to change current legislation is to tell your Congressperson how you feel, and to ask them to advocate on your behalf. Learn who your current representatives are in the Congressional House and Senate. You can quickly go to the Senate and House websites to see what positions they have taken on transgender issues. Then, write them letters expressing why transgender issues are important. You can use this excellent resource as a guide to making your voice heard.

Volunteer

Education is a crucial part of transgender advocacy. Until more people learn about transgender issues, there won’t be a wider acceptance of transgender individuals in society. Giving your time to one of these educational initiatives certainly won’t be a waste—a change in legislation can only happen through a change of heart and mind. Look for a chapter of these national transgender groups near you, and see if they have any service opportunities.

Join Local Government

Consider running for a position in your local government. Making transgender rights and non-discrimination part of your local community is one of the easiest ways to effect real, substantive change for gender variant issues. As a local official, you can enforce non-discrimination laws and help make trans-inclusive policies important where you live. Although the rules of running for office will vary depending on your state, you can use this as a basic starting guide.

Vote

It’s quick and easy, and one of the most important things you can do to change current discriminatory legislation. Stay informed about transgender issues on the federal, state, and local level, and exercise your democratic rights. Talk about how you are voting with friends and family, to spread the word about transgender issues.