Transgender Q&A: The Answers from Stephanie Guttormson.

The following is a quest post from Stephanie Guttormson, the Operations Director for the Richard Dawkins Foundation and a transgender woman.

I was happy to work with JT on this project.  Danielle’s coming out has given us in the atheist community a rare and wonderful opportunity to learn about trans issues and the transition process.  I selected what I felt were the best questions from the comments section of JT’s post.  Questions are in italics and have only been altered for spelling.

“What is the best way to let someone know their gender doesn’t affect how you see them without trivializing what they are going through?”

I find this to be an easy thing to do.  It comes down to love and respect.  Love that person just as much as you would and let them know.  Respect them by using proper pronouns and the new name they wish to be called by.  You might also want to reassure them that you see them as they want to be seen, as they truly are.  References to appearance that are unsolicited, even if you mean well, can be hurtful.  If you do those things, you are on your way to being a great ally to trans people.