Learning about the various ways that people experience and describe gender can feel overwhelming at first, and that’s okay. Like any learning process, it’ll involve commitment, practice, and the occasional mistake. As we learn better, we do better.

When it comes to learning about gender and gender diversity, many (not all) trans folks are willing to explain and discuss respectfully-presented inquiries because we know that search engine algorithms can sometimes lead people towards misinformation and anti-trans bias. Taking the time to learn and understand some of these basic terms, concepts, and etiquette first will go a long way.

As you learn, please ensure that you are carrying your part of the emotional labor involved in this education. If you’re having a hard time with the topic or the feelings that are coming up, please reach out to a therapist or an ally parent.

Resources:

Trevor Project–Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People

Everyday Feminism–Transgender 101: A Guide to Gender and Identity to Help You Keep Up with the Conversation

TransYouth Family Allies–Learning The Lingo (English) (Spanish)

Gender Spectrum–Understanding Gender

Gender Spectrum–Myths About Gender

GLAAD–Transgender FAQ

HRC–Transgender Children & Youth: Understanding the Basics

Interact Advocates–Intersex 101

Trans 101–Gender Diversity Crash Course

Pronouns.org–Resources on Personal Pronouns

Minus18–Pronoun Practice Game

Merriam Webster–“They” is Merriam Webster’s Word Of The Year 2019

Merriam Webster–Singular Nonbinary ‘They’: Is it ‘they are’ or ‘they is’?

GLSEN–Gender Triangle Education Guide (PDF)

GLSEN–Pronoun Guide (PDF)

Trans Awareness Project–Transgender Etiquette

TransTorah–Trans Etiquette/Respect/Support 101

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