How to be an Ally to the Trans Community – Bullying and Mental Health Effects on Trans and Non-Binary Youth

Did you know that 77% of queer and trans youth report being the victims of bullying and are twice as likely to describe their mental health as poor (33%) compared with other bullied youth populations? Trans and non-binary youth in particular struggle with poor mental health outcomes due to bullying, with 1 in 5 transgender and non-binary youth reporting that they avoided school due to fears of outing, bullying and harassment.

(sources: Statistics Canada’s 2024 2SLGBTQI+ survey, and Trans Pulse Canada’s 2021 Report on health and well-being among trans and non-binary youth)

Here’s what you can do: (The following suggestions come from Toronto Pflag’s Call to Action about how to be an ally to trans people (2024))

Show support by wearing a pride bracelet or other visually supportive symbol if you feel comfortable doing that. That can be a pin on a lapel or backpack, or a sticker on a laptop or water bottle. You can add your pronouns into your email signature or zoom name, and you can introduce yourself with your pronouns too

• Transphobic jokes and comments are harmful and hurtful, and they contribute to unsafe spaces for trans people. Tell people you don’t find them funny and ask them to stop

• If you see any transphobic behaviour or discrimination, step in if it’s safe for you to do so. Say something, do something, or call for help.

• Show support by wearing a pride bracelet or other visually supportive symbol if you feel comfortable doing that. That can be a pin on a lapel or backpack, or a sticker on a laptop or water bottle. You can add your pronouns into your email signature or zoom name, and you can introduce yourself with your pronouns too