Showing support for trans people is arguably more important now than ever before. 

It's a tough time to be transgender person in the UK, and worldwide. In recent years, we've faced a rising tide of transphobia in the media, the courts, and the general public. 

That pressure is about to increase. On 5 August 2026, the EHRC's updated Code of Practice comes into force — statutory guidance that follows the Supreme Court's 2025 ruling that "sex" in the Equality Act means biological sex. 

In practice, this means trans people can lawfully be excluded from many single-sex services and spaces. 

Trans-led organisations including TransActual, Scottish Trans, and the Trans+ Solidarity Alliance have warned it will push trans people out of public life, and 166 MPs signed a motion opposing it — but it passed through Parliament without a debate or vote.

That's why it's so vital to show up as a transgender ally, and support trans rights in any way you can – whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or not. We're all stronger together. 

‍Here are some tips on how to be a good ally to trans people, from Voda's Lead Therapist Chris Sheridan (they/them) (@theqtherapist).

How to support trans people: five top tips

1. Use people's names and pronouns

One of the simplest things you can do as a trans ally is to actively use people's names and pronouns.

This small act of solidarity communicates that you respect them, and see their identity as valid. 

You can also include your own pronouns in your email signatures, bios, and web-conference settings. This helps to normalise the sharing of pronouns generally – so it's not all on trans people.

2. Campaign for trans inclusivity at work

What's it like to be trans in your workplace? The onus shouldn't be on trans people to flag issues when they're being discriminated against – empathetic trans allies can also anticipate and raise issues with the higher-ups. 

For example: does your workplace offer gender-neutral or universal facilities alongside its existing ones? Nothing stops an employer from providing these, and plenty already do – it's simply good practice.

Does your work name tag or email signature also include pronouns?

Do your policies actively protect trans colleagues from harrassment and discrimination? Treating someone badly because they're trans is unlawful, and saying so plainly in your policies matters.

Addressing these important questions could make your workplace more welcoming for everyone. 

3. Stand up to bigotry when you see it

Sometimes it's easier to let things slide when we hear transphobic remarks. Standing up to bigots can feel confronting. 

But letting these remarks go unchallenged contributes to the normalisation of transphobia. In order to be a good ally to trans people, it's important that we try to push back on this kind of hurtful rhetoric (when it's safe to do so). 

It's understandable that this can feel really difficult, for many reasons. If you'd like some support with finding your voice and standing up for what you believe in, we have some exercises that can help with that on the Voda app. ‍

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4. Bring trans people into everyday conversations

Invite the people around you into conversations about trans and gender diverse people. This normalises trans issues in your workplace, home, or community.

Being an ally to trans people is about creating tipping points and the world we want to live in.

By talking about trans issues, you're supporting trans rights, and promoting empathy more generally. That's a win-win. 

5. Listen to trans voices

Read, watch, and listen to stories directly from trans people. 

Now more than ever, it's important that we listen to this marginalised group who make up such a small part of the population, and yet face so much demonisation and discussion about their lives. 

Trans people should get to tell our own stories. The media needs to listen to us, platform us, and make "nothing about us, without us" (as the disability rights community would say). 

There is a lot of misinformation out there about what it means to be trans. You can show support for trans people by learning our truth, directly from us. 

Get support from Voda, the LGBTQ+ mental health app

Whether you're transgender/gender-diverse yourself, or you're a trans ally, you may be feeling affected by the oppressive transphobia that's gripping the UK and other countries right now. 

That's understandable – and only human. 

Mental health and wellbeing support can't erase that context. But with Voda, you can find a place to hold those feelings, while acknowledging the systems that have created them. 

Voda offers mental wellbeing support created by LGBTQ+ people, for LGBTQ+ people. 

You can use Voda to journal, get tailored advice, or complete more exercises on learning how to channel your anger or sadness into fighting for trans rights. 

Download it from the App Store or Google Play. 

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