Attitude change
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Spend time around trans people in shared environments like work to observe how others treat them and decide which side you want to align with.
Witnessing mistreatment can clarify your values and show you which side of things you want to be on.
one person who lived it
Consume media created by LGBTQ+ people and hear individual stories.
This helps break molds and fosters understanding between people.
3 people, independently
Seek direct exposure to the group you hold biases against.
Fear and dislike often stem from a lack of exposure to new things.
one person who lived it
Stretch your comfort zone by making connections with LGBTQ+ people and exposing yourself to their culture.
Repulsion may go away over time as you realize they are normal.
2 people, independently
Recognize that hate is a lazy coping mechanism that simplifies thinking, whereas kindness requires more effort and complexity.
Hate makes things easier and simpler so we don't need to think; kindness needs more effort.
one person who lived it
Choose to believe that everyone is normal rather than believing no one is.
one person who lived it
Humanize trans people by consuming more of their content to witness their humanity and build empathy and compassion.
Witnessing their humanity may lead to more empathy and compassion.
one person who lived it
When meeting someone new, imagine specific personal details about them, such as their favorite fruit, to view them as an individual rather than a category.
This exercise helps overcome prejudices caused by the brain grouping information into categories.
one person who lived it
Respect others even if you do not fully understand them, as understanding is not required for respect.
one person who lived it