Post #558340

2026-03-06 20:23 UTC

I never know if I’m doing enough for trans people. I like to think of my stance towards trans folk as “benevolent indifference.” That is - I don’t care even the smallest bit if someone is trans. They’re a person, and that’s all that’s needed for my respect. But I also recognize that that position isn’t always enough. It’s like when people said “All Lives Matter” in response to the BLM movement. Yes, all lives do matter, and my goal for society would be one where “All lives matter” is the only stance you need, but we don’t live in that world and sometimes we have to focus on protecting specific groups. But, as a white, male, cisgenger christian I also don’t want to fall into a “white savior” leadership mentality, so I never know how loudly to speak out on behalf of groups I’m not a part of.

Replies (3)

@crapwittyname@feddit.uk 2026-03-06 21:57

Here’s a good one. As a white cis guy, you will be part of private conversations where people are transphobic, because there’s no trans people about. You’ll be trusted to laugh and agree. Instead, challenge their behaviour. It’s a great way to use your privilege for good.

Open ##559941
@Gladaed__dup_10378@feddit.org 2026-03-07 01:18

Staying silent when people spew hate is not acceptable. You must speak out when someone is an arse. A table with 9 silent people and a nazi is a nazi bus.

Open ##562451
@DrivebyHaiku@lemmy.ca 2026-03-07 04:50

Benevolent indifference is fine for the most part under normal circumstances… But like there’s a lot of things happening where the democratic process is getting actively weaponized against us trans folks. That democratic process depends on numbers and advocacy that directs your representatives to stop creating new pressures and restrictions on trans people is something where the numbers are sorely lacking and trans folk are generally tasked with just educating people they are essentially screaming into the void for help with actually writing to godsdamned representatives. Like “white savior” stuff is a problem when you swoop in and try and protect someone as an individual. You can call your representative and get a trans high five for free because its not condescension or annoying. It’s just plain help for a lot of us who feel sorely left behind by a process that doesn’t do the greatest job of protecting minorities.

Open ##565021