A: Transphobia is the fear of and discrimination against transgender people and people thought to be transgender, regardless of their actual gender identity. Transphobia can lead to violence and bias, which can make coming out as transgender even harder.

Current studies say that more than 80% of transgender people have been physically assaulted based on their actual or perceived gender identity. Some transgender people report losing their jobs, being ignored by their families and losing friends when they share their gender identities.

Transphobia hurts everyone. Are you a guy who wanted to paint or write poetry, but thought it wouldn't be "masculine" enough? Are you a girl who ever wanted to wrestle with your friend, but thought it wouldn't be "ladylike"? Supporting trans people means supporting everyone's right to just be themselves, rather than bowing to society's expectations of correct "masculinity" and "feminity."

Sounds pretty grim, what can I do?

For trans people and non-trans people alike, talk about gender identity and ways your school/community meets the needs of transgender youth, or falls short.

Remind everyone about ways this affects *everyone,* not just people who are gender different. For example, trans people often encounter problems in gender-specific bathrooms and prefer single-person locking bathrooms. When you think about it, a single-person locking restroom can serve the needs of a lot of different kinds of people, including people who have disabilities, people who have small children or elderly relatives who need some assistance using the bathroom, as well as people who are very shy or private.

Another example: everyone has the right to a public education, although many trans people don't feel safe at school. And if school isn't safe for everyone, then something is wrong! When one person or one group gets discriminated against, it makes it easier to start discriminating against people of other groups, too. It's the community's job (not the person who has been bullied or ignored) to figure out what went wrong, and how to fix it.

Stand up in little and big ways for the rights of all people. And make sure to take care of yourself - find time to recharge your batteries for another day of social change.