Welcome to Transgentle, a digital zine for both trans+ people (whether you are out or stealth) and non-trans identifying allies who want to be progressive and productive in promoting Trans+ inclusion at a DIY, grassroots level.
why gentle is better
I have spent decades quietly living my life, as part of that quietness, I have enjoyed the privilege of being able to live as the man that I am for several years without my gender being questioned or judged. I have been able to choose whether to be visible as a trans man or to blend into society. I have not offended or endangered anyone and nobody has noticed that I am trans unless they have been told (unfortunately not always by me). I am fully aware that other transgender people do not have that luxury.Now is a terrifying time to be transgender. Our existence is being kicked around as a political football, the news is telling us daily that we are not wanted anywhere in society, and worst of all, we are extremely concerned for the future of our healthcare. I officially transitioned from female to male in 2011, and this is the first time in my life I have ever felt legally, socially and medically unsafe. The recent Supreme Court ruling on the definition of 'woman' in the UK Equality Act is just the tip of the iceberg for trans people, and our entire lives are sadly about to get much harder over the next few years.So as a member of the trans community who has the choice to be visible or not, in solidarity with those that have no choice but to be visible and those that are choosing to come out now, I am standing up and saying “Yes, I am here. I have always been here, I always will be here… living my life, still quietly blending into society but maybe just a little bit louder from now on, as and when I need to be.” I have been thinking about how to be louder without aggressively shouting. I’ve had enough of being scared and being angry. I don’t want to be angry about this - I want to be hopeful and progressive. I have decided to be gentle with my protest of what is happening to the Transgender community.Transgentle is a digital zine with ideas, tips and resources for support and education, pushing for gentle protest against the current political and social climate instead of responding with angry knee jerk reactions. It’s about suggesting how to contact local businesses and services whether you are out, stealth or a cis ally outlining how they can be inclusive and respectful and encouraging people to be mindful of what the trans community are dealing with and treat everyone with the kindness and dignity that we all deserve as human beings regardless of political and personal beliefs.Protests with banners and marches and megaphones are great as short term responses, putting ourselves physically out there to be counted and to show we exist but we need longer term progressive change. We need to feel like we belong without having to muscle our way in. This is something that is more likely to come from education, understanding and connection. We must use integrity, compassion and thoughtfulness when proving to others that we are not a threat.This is a time for resilience. This is a call to action.
tips and ideas for positive change
First things first let’s get the word out about Transgentle - at the moment it’s a case of who shouts loudest gets heard. I want this to be a finely tuned engine, You have the power to be a cog in this machine, if you send this website to just one person whether it’s your best friend or your favourite auntie and they send it to someone else it starts to move. The more cogs, the bigger machine, the louder the hum of the engine! Are you a member of an LGBTQ+ network? Or do you know someone who is? Send this to them and let’s pick up some speed! Remember to check back here regularly for new ideas and resources and use the Badges and Stickers section of this website to make and order your own.
Research your local independent health and wellbeing practitioners - from hairdressers and barbers to chiropractors and podiatrists, from physiotherapists and yoga instructors to reiki practitioners and nail technicians. Do their websites and social media state that they are LGBTQ+ inclusive? If not, contact them by email or post (you can do this anonymously) asking if they are inclusive and telling them how important it is that if they are inclusive then they should share that they are so the trans community know where they will be safe. If you are a trans person offer to look over their paperwork and online information that their clients use when signing up to their service and attending appointments and suggest any ways they are being unknowingly exclusionary with their wording or the way they collect gender specific information.
Think about the leisure industry and where you spend your time and money - do you feel like the cafes, restaurants, bars and activity centres you frequent are inclusive and welcoming to trans people? are the toilets unnecessarily gendered to single sex? if there are ways they can make adjustments then have that conversation either in person anonymously as above.
Does the company you work for have an EDI panel? this is a group or committee focused on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within an organization focusing on all protected characteristics of the Equality Act (age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation). Ask if you can join the panel and if there isn't one, speak to your management team about starting one.
Write to your local MP's, politicians, the Prime Minister, even the King! Arrange to meet with your local political representatives. If you are openly trans, a great way to stop people looking at you like a statistic or a hypothetical situation is to arrange to meet with them in person, so grab a coffee from a small independent cafe and go for a walk in the park with them so they can get to know you and your story on a personal level. They want us to vote for them but it works both ways - they have to vote for us too.
echoes and inspiration from UK based peers and allies
To find out what is really happening to the Trans community please avoid mainstream media and get your information from:
To find out about Trans led campaigning, initiatives and community projects that are happening and see how you can get involved go to:
For a range of trans-led education, training and consultancy to organisations and individuals who are working to better their inclusive practices contact:
The Good Law Project are working tirelessly to fight for our legal rights. If you can afford to then please consider donating here:
For support with trans related advice and complaints go to:
save the image below onto your device so you can upload/print it wherever you get your badges and/or stickers made!
