What we all can do to support trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary people

Make space for people to share their names and pronouns rather than assuming how they identify.

• Learn about gender pronouns
• Tips for being an ally to trans and gender non-conforming students
• See the No Big Deal campaign to learn more about pronouns and to print posters in support of using gender inclusive pronouns.
• Learn about etiquette for participating in a “pronoun round”.

Avoid gendered language (e.g., “You guys,” “Hello ladies,” “Boys and girls”); find other ways to talk to people and groups (e.g., “You folks,” “Hello everyone,” “Members of the class”). There are many resources to support the use of gender inclusive language:

• UVic Style guide regarding inclusive language
• Ontario Media Reference Guide: Discussing Trans and Gender-Diverse People. From Rainbow Health Ontario.

• Intro to gender diversity and Indigneous gender diversity from Trans Care BC
• Support tools from Trans Care BC
• Trans Rights BC
• Understanding gender diversity: Sex and gender are not the same thing. Article in The Guardian.
• Tips for Allies of Transgender People from GLAAD
• Education and training resources from QMunity 
• Ontario Human Rights Commission on Gender Identity and Expression. Overview of human rights law with respect to gender identity and expression. The principles parallel BC Human Rights Code principles.

For all:

• Visit the Sexualized Violence Resource office at Equity and Human Rights. The office offers information, support, and education for all UVic community members. You can contact the office for confidential advice, to access support options, and to find out more about UVic’s policy. You can reach us by phone at 250-721-8021 or by email at eqhr01@uvic.ca to book a virtual appointment. Our physical office is located in Sedgewick Building, Room C119.
• EQHR’s Anti-oppression Education Program is a 5-part series that addresses the intersectional societal and systemic attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate oppression. One of the sessions is Xidsii, K’iiwaat’as, Tlay.yad – “Under, Over, Everywhere”: Centering 2SLGBTQIA+ Knowledges in Anti-Oppression Work. Sessions currently offered once every semester through Learning Central. 

For students:

• The Office of Student Life offers bystander intervention training to prevent sexualized violence. Step In, Speak Up is a 45-minute online training program on Brightspace that introduces students to the concepts of pro-social bystander intervention and community expectations.

For staff and faculty: 

• Human Resources offers courses on gender diversity, bystander intervention, and many other relevant topics.

Those who want to be involved in removing barriers and increasing access for trans, Two-Spirit and non-binary people at UVic can get involved by:

• Requesting education on gender diversity in your unit.
• Identifying and supporting possible changes to the work or culture of the unit (e.g., through changing what information is asked for on forms, updating information on your website, introducing the use of pronoun sharing and asking in your area, or many other possibilities).
• Attending training on gender diversity.
• Connecting with your director or chair to join or form an equity committee in your unit.