In the early gay liberation movement, the "homophile" strategy was often to present gay people as "just like heterosexuals, except for the gender of their partner." This assimilationist tactic often threw gender-nonconforming people under the bus. Activists like Rivera famously protested the exclusion of trans people from the 1973 New York City Gay Pride Rally, shouting, "You all go to bars because of what drag queens did for you, and these bitches tell us to get out of the movement!"
While societal acceptance is growing, the transgender community continues to face significant systemic hurdles:
: Engaging in education about the transgender experience and bringing these discussions into workplaces and family settings.
Using respectful terminology is key to being a good ally and supporting the dignity of all people. Avoid using slurs or outdated terms that are often found in adult entertainment, as they do not accurately reflect the lives and identities of transgender people.