Spotlight: How to Have Meaningful Conversations on Trans Rights

We’re excited to share a recent segment on Gaily Show Radio, where we had the chance to discuss our Trans Equity Trainings and how to have meaningful conversations about trans rights. Over 400 people have already joined these trainings, and we’re seeing powerful momentum toward trans liberation as people seek out ways to engage, ask questions, and take action for trans rights at this critical time.

At Gender Justice, our goal is to empower justice-loving people to become active allies for trans rights. Conversations around gender identity and expression are central to this work. Keep reading for tips on how to engage in these conversations and help create lasting change.

1. Lead with Values

When we talk about trans rights, we’re talking about real people—our neighbors, families, and friends. Trans people and their rights aren’t abstract concepts or ideologies. This is about dignity, respect, and the right to live authentically, free from government interference. By leading with these shared values, we can foster compassionate, productive conversations that resonate with everyone.

2. The “Silver Bullet” Myth

Many people want a “silver bullet” answer to counter transphobia, but as we often explain, the best response is simple: trans people are people, like anyone else. Trans people have existed across cultures and throughout history. Their existence is not new or controversial; it is a basic fact of human life. What’s new is a multi-million dollar political campaign designed to divide and distract us by generating anti-trans hysteria.

3. Reframing Discrimination in Sports

Banning trans people from sports is, by definition, discrimination. This exclusion is not grounded in science. Studies show that, after HRT, trans athletes perform similarly to cis athletes and do not have inherent advantage. If people truly care about women’s sports, they should focus on the real issues they face—pay inequity, racism, and lack of access—not politically manufactured controversies.

Learn more about why Gender Justice is all-in on trans inclusion in sports and check out our toolkit for navigating this conversation.

4. Minnesota’s Legacy of Trans Protections

Minnesota has been a leader in protecting LGBTQ+ people from discrimination for over 30 years. We were the first state to include trans people in our human rights act, and trans people have been participating in sports in Minnesota for over a decade without issue. In fact, participation in women’s and girls’ sports has only increased since it became trans inclusive.

5. Passing the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) is Essential

Passing an inclusive ERA is crucial for protecting the rights of all Minnesotans, cis or trans. As the ERA campaign heats up, we know that anti-equality opponents will try to use trans lives as a wedge issue. We need to be ready to boldly affirm the humanity of trans people without compromising anyone’s humanity. We need Minnesotans to come out, speak up, and show their support for trans rights. The ERA is about love, freedom, and self-determination—values that resonate across all communities.

We want to continue this conversation, and we need you to be a part of it. The Equal Rights Amendment and other important trans rights issues are at stake. Join us, sign up for a future trans equity training, and be an ally for trans people. We all deserve freedom, dignity, and the right to live as our true selves.