Jazz Jennings of TLC's "I Am Jazz" posted a video earlier today with advice on supporting your transgender friends.
Here are her tips, in a nutshell:
What do you think of Jazz's advice? Do you agree or disagree? Any other suggestions? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!
Here are her tips, in a nutshell:
1. Stand by your friend: "Embrace, don't encourage." Her biggest concern with "encouraging" trans friends is that they might not ready to make certain progressions and you as the friend should resist the urge to push your trans friend too far outside of their comfort zone. Your trans friend will decide how to best move forward. You can be a good friend by backing their choices.You can watch the entire video here.
2. Don't make a big deal about your friend being transgender: Don't be the type of person who cannot stop talking about your friend being transgender. Don't make it seem like they are only special because they are transgender. Don't make a huge deal out of it. Treat your trans friend like you would any other friend. Focus on their inner being; not their label.
What do you think of Jazz's advice? Do you agree or disagree? Any other suggestions? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!