EXPLAINER: HOW CAN WE SUPPORT THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY?

THANKS TO MEDIA ATTENTION, THERE'S MORE UNDERSTANDING OF TRANS PEOPLE IN SOCIETY

We're not born with hatred; hatred is taught.

And with May 17 being the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, there are a few things for people to brush up on when it comes to transphobia.

To this day, trans people are still highly misunderstood, said Esen Mau, a member of the Gilbert Centre's board of directors.

She shared a few pointers for people willing to learn more about the transgender community.

WHAT IS ONE MISTAKE WE ARE STILL MAKING?

Transitioning from one gender to another has nothing to do with sexual preference, Mau said.

"Transitioning is a deeply personal thing," Mau said. "It's a gender thing and an identity thing. It's got nothing to do with sex."

Mau explains that being transgender is being born in a body that doesn't match the gender in your brain.

Keep in mind that some people may transition quickly, making an overnight transformation with clothing, makeup, pronouns and names, Mau said, while others may do it more slowly.

WHAT ELSE IS SOCIETY GETTING WRONG?

Society is so concerned with assigning genders, calling people sir or ma'am, Mau said.

"Everyone is dividing the human race by gender," she said, noting women are still treated differently in society. "That is something that trans people uniquely see."

A person transitioning from male to female can see the male privilege instilled

in society — which goes out the window when they transition.

Every person should be treated as an individual, regardless of their gender expression or identity, said Mau.

Health care is also lagging behind, with several doctors still unprepared to deal with transgender people, she said.

HOW IS THE STIGMA IMPROVING?

With movies and television portraying transgender people in a positive light, and celebrities having pronoun discussions, it's becoming easier to be open about transgender issues.

"It's no longer the Silence of the Lambs (portrayal)," Mau said. "There's more understanding of trans people."

Businesses are offering gender-neutral washrooms to be more inclusive, and some credit card companies are allowing transgender people to obtain cards in their chosen name.

"A lot of trans people haven't legally changed their name for one reason or another," she said. "Usually, it's poverty."

And it's not just transgender people breaking down gender barriers. Allies are speaking up to support friends and coworkers.

"We are a small minority and the media attention has maybe brought out more transgender people, but it's because they now have the courage to come out because they feel more secure and supported."

To learn more about gender diversity, visit gilbertcentre.ca.