We are here to serve our community, to empower our siblings in struggle to the best of our abilities. But we can’t do that without your feedback!

What do you want to see from Trans Empowerment Project next year? What did you love, like, or dislike about our efforts this past year, and what do you want to see more of moving forward?

Please share any thoughts, feedback, or ideas you have in the notes, through the DMs, or by emailing us! Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated and will inform the work we do in 2021.

[ID: Pink textured background. White text down the left edge reads “what do you want to see from us in 2021?” Two speech bubbles are placed to the right, one with a pink question mark and one with  a lit lightbulb. The TEP logo and “share your thoughts, feedback, & ideas in the comments or DMs” in dark pink are at the bottom.]

ATTENTION ALLIES - Want to learn the best ways to make sure your trans loved ones feel supported during the holidays? Join our webinar tomorrow with Evey Winters for Day Five of “Peace, Love, & Trans Joy: A Virtual Home for the Holidays”!

Allies and folks with trans loved ones are highly encouraged to attend our discussion at 7pm EST to learn how they can best support their trans family members during this holiday season (and always). Register here: bit.ly/TEPholidaysupport

We want to give our community a space to come together safely and frequently for the holidays. Despite the hurt we have individually and collectively felt this year, we can be your home this season.

[ID: Snowy teal background with a blue mountain landscape at the bottom. In the landscape, people in warm clothing are dressed and playing in the snow around a colorfully decorated house. The TEP logo, the title of the series, and the date, title, and description of Day 5.]

LGBTQ+ Allyship is a Process

You’ll never know it all and you’ll never be perfect. But following the lead of your LGBTQ+ friends to CHALLENGE DISCRIMINATION is a vital way to show your love for all people. Most queer people will agree there are “allies” and then there are FABULOUS ALLIES! How can you live the love you proclaim? Here are 10 suggestions from Beloved Arise volunteer, Stephen Cowden, one of our favorite fabulous allies!!

10 Ways to be a Fabulous Ally to LGBTQ+ People

01: LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN.

If you are cishet, don’t assume you know what it’s like to be queer. Make a habit of listening to LGBTQ+ voices.

02: AMPLIFY LGBTQ+ VOICES.

When you speak for them, you risk speaking over them. Instead, you should elevate their perspectives.

03: REJOICE WITH THEM.

Show the queer people around you that they are valued and recognize their faithfulness.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice…weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

04: MOURN WITH LGBTQ+ FOLX.

Seek to understand the challenges they face. Validate the pain they feel.

05: PARTNER, DON’T PATRONIZE.

To you, LGBTQ+ inclusion may be an abstract cause. But it is very personal to lots of folx. Treat people like people rather than a cause.

06: DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK.

Don’t expect queer folx to educate you. Allyship is not passive; you need to be proactive in your own learning and growth.

07: NORMALIZE QUEERNESS.

Put your pronouns in your social media profiles and email signatures. Use gender-neutral language. Don’t assume cisgender and heterosexual is the norm.

08: DISARM THE HATERS.

Arguing just gives them a platform, and let’s face it, many haters aren’t really open to changing their minds. Try this: respectfully acknowledge where you agree and disagree, and then move on…

09: ERR ON THE SIDE OF HUMILITY.

You will make mistakes. You will misspeak and misstep, so always be humble and willing to do better. 

10: LOVE OTHERS!

“Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it… Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.” Romans 12:9-10 The Message

To see this post in slide guide form, go here.

My little brother drew me as a badass karate fighter hahaha