You know that not only does domestic violence in the trans community play out in slightly different ways, but trans survivors often face obstacles when trying to access resources. It’s not easy to approach a loved one about their abusive relationship. But you don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be there.

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Feminine-presenting person explaining something to someone masculine-presenting

It’s not that the misguided ally is a bad person. We know they don’t want to hurt us. But they do. And until misguided allies learn the error in their ways, the true work of activism and allyship cannot be done. Fortunately, there are a few activist communication hacks for dealing with the misguided allies we’ll all inevitably encounter. Read on for five.

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Privilege and oppression simultaneously impact our lives in a number of intersectional ways. If we solely focus on our marginalized identities, we give up the opportunity to recognize and interrupt the ways our privileges cause harm to the people we care about. If you’re struggling with recognizing your privilege as a marginalized person, this might serve as a helpful guide.

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There’s a difference between being chivalrous and being nice. We should all be nice to everyone – regardless of their gender. But when you do something nice for women because of their gender, is not just being nice – it’s being chivalrous, which is based on the belief that women are fragile, delicate creatures who need special treatment.

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When people of color internalize racism and become self-hating, they have made a mental link between worth and whiteness. When we strip ourselves of that lie, we can start to see ourselves as whole rather than deficient. And only when we see our wholeness and understand that we’re worth fighting for can we advance any movement that holds the best interests of people of color at heart.

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About one year ago, I lost my job. The 6 months it took me to find a new position changed me, and maybe more importantly, it informed my feminism. It also brought me face-to-face with my own privilege. Having a “career” instead of a “job” is a privilege. Benefits, health insurance, and a living wage are all privileges, too – and I no longer take them for granted.

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If you grew up in the United States, it is almost inevitable that you’ve been subject to a few standard aphorisms. These include things like: “Anyone can make it here if they try hard enough,” “Nothing worth having comes easy,” “Hard work pays off,” “Winners never quit, and quitters never win,” and “Success is no…

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I have been reflecting a lot lately on how I can be a better ally. And as we wade our way into 2015, I suppose now is as good a time as any to consider some ways that any person who wishes to act accountably as an ally can do better in 2015. So here’s my list of 30 ways that those of us who strive to act in solidarity and allyship (most notably inclusive of myself) can be better allies.

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