We are living in a time of great change and great opportunity. While progress in inclusivity has faced resistance, history has shown us that justice and equality always move forward when people stand together. Now, more than ever, we have the chance to push back against fear and misinformation and create a world that truly embraces diversity.
In my first book, I created a character I feel very attached to: Karel, a 6-foot-tall, vampire-looking Czech historian. “History is profitable,” he argues, in his own peculiar way. “How so?” asks the main character, to which he replies, “Because by learning it, humanity would avoid costly mistakes from the past.”
As a history enthusiast, I used to believe that some mistakes would never be repeated. After the devastation of World War I, people celebrated their freedom and believed the horrors of war were behind them. Yet, just a decade later, fascism reemerged, seeking to suppress freedoms and divide people through fear. It reminds us that progress is never guaranteed—it must be defended and upheld.
The tactics of oppression have not changed. Those who seek to consolidate power create a false enemy—one that is easy to vilify—and present themselves as the solution. Today, trans people have been chosen as that enemy, just as other marginalized groups were in the past. But history has also shown us that when people stand up against injustice, they can turn the tide. And that’s where you come in.
Your Role as an Ally: Small Actions, Big Impact
Being an ally doesn’t require expertise, just a willingness to learn, listen, and take action. Here’s how you can help:
- Educate Yourself: Learn about trans lives and experiences. When you see the challenges trans people face, it’s impossible not to empathize. Imagine if you or a loved one were in the same situation—how would you want the world to respond?
- Use the Right Terms: Respect affirmed names and pronouns. If you’re unsure, just ask. Here’s a helpful resource to learn more: Glossary of Gender Terminology
- Speak Out Against Discrimination: Whether it’s shutting down harmful jokes, correcting misinformation, or advocating in larger forums, your voice matters. Hate thrives in silence—don’t give it that space.
- Validate Trans Experiences: Listen without judgment, acknowledge their struggles, and reaffirm that they matter. Dismissing or gaslighting their experiences only deepens the harm.
- Support Trans Rights: Advocate for inclusive policies and back organizations fighting for equality. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work is more essential now than ever.
- Offer Emotional Support: Check in with trans friends and colleagues. The challenges they face are often unseen, so a simple “How are you doing?” can mean the world.
- Include Diverse Voices: Representation matters. When trans voices are erased, visibility becomes a powerful act of resistance. Amplify their perspectives in conversations, workplaces, and social spaces.
Courage in the Face of Opposition
Being an ally might feel uncomfortable at times. You might challenge societal norms, face resistance, or even feel isolated. But remember—creating change has never been about comfort. Those who fought for civil rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights before us also faced challenges, but their persistence reshaped history. We are in that moment now.
Your actions, no matter how small they seem, contribute to a world where inclusivity triumphs over hate. And history has taught us this: when people stand together, love and justice always win.
Let’s make sure that in the future, when people look back on 2025, they see a year when allies stepped up, voices were heard, and history took another step forward.
Will you be part of that change?
I’ll leave you with something to think about, which was based on history. The question is not if, but when it will happen if you don’t act now.
“FIRST THEY CAME” by Pastor Martin Niemöller.
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
We are living in a time of great change and great opportunity. While progress in inclusivity has faced resistance, history has shown us that justice and equality always move forward when people stand together. Now, more than ever, we have the chance to push back against fear and misinformation and create a world that truly embraces diversity.
In my first book, I created a character I feel very attached to: Karel, a 6-foot-tall, vampire-looking Czech historian. “History is profitable,” he argues, in his own peculiar way. “How so?” asks the main character, to which he replies, “Because by learning it, humanity would avoid costly mistakes from the past.”
As a history enthusiast, I used to believe that some mistakes would never be repeated. After the devastation of World War I, people celebrated their freedom and believed the horrors of war were behind them. Yet, just a decade later, fascism reemerged, seeking to suppress freedoms and divide people through fear. It reminds us that progress is never guaranteed—it must be defended and upheld.
The tactics of oppression have not changed. Those who seek to consolidate power create a false enemy—one that is easy to vilify—and present themselves as the solution. Today, trans people have been chosen as that enemy, just as other marginalized groups were in the past. But history has also shown us that when people stand up against injustice, they can turn the tide. And that’s where you come in.
Your Role as an Ally: Small Actions, Big Impact
Being an ally doesn’t require expertise, just a willingness to learn, listen, and take action. Here’s how you can help:
- Educate Yourself: Learn about trans lives and experiences. When you see the challenges trans people face, it’s impossible not to empathize. Imagine if you or a loved one were in the same situation—how would you want the world to respond?
- Use the Right Terms: Respect affirmed names and pronouns. If you’re unsure, just ask. Here’s a helpful resource to learn more: Glossary of Gender Terminology
- Speak Out Against Discrimination: Whether it’s shutting down harmful jokes, correcting misinformation, or advocating in larger forums, your voice matters. Hate thrives in silence—don’t give it that space.
- Validate Trans Experiences: Listen without judgment, acknowledge their struggles, and reaffirm that they matter. Dismissing or gaslighting their experiences only deepens the harm.
- Support Trans Rights: Advocate for inclusive policies and back organizations fighting for equality. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work is more essential now than ever.
- Offer Emotional Support: Check in with trans friends and colleagues. The challenges they face are often unseen, so a simple “How are you doing?” can mean the world.
- Include Diverse Voices: Representation matters. When trans voices are erased, visibility becomes a powerful act of resistance. Amplify their perspectives in conversations, workplaces, and social spaces.
Courage in the Face of Opposition
Being an ally might feel uncomfortable at times. You might challenge societal norms, face resistance, or even feel isolated. But remember—creating change has never been about comfort. Those who fought for civil rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights before us also faced challenges, but their persistence reshaped history. We are in that moment now.
Your actions, no matter how small they seem, contribute to a world where inclusivity triumphs over hate. And history has taught us this: when people stand together, love and justice always win.
Let’s make sure that in the future, when people look back on 2025, they see a year when allies stepped up, voices were heard, and history took another step forward.
Will you be part of that change?
I’ll leave you with something to think about, which was based on history. The question is not if, but when it will happen if you don’t act now.
“FIRST THEY CAME” by Pastor Martin Niemöller.
First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Communist
Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Socialist
Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a trade unionist
Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out
Because I was not a Jew
Then they came for me
And there was no one left
To speak out for me
