Wednesday 31 March marks Transgender Day of Visibility . It’s an annual awareness day celebrating transgender people’s contributions to society, and raising awareness of transphobic discrimination.

According to statistics from Galop, the LGBTQ+ anti-violence charity, almost half of transgender people have attempted suicide at some point in their life. One in four have been threatened with or experienced transphobic violence; and since 2015, reports of transphobic hate crimes have quadrupled.

6 ways you can be a better trans ally

Follow these tips to help you become a better ally for trans people:

Use a person’s stated pronouns. If you see or hear pronouns mentioned, don’t make a fuss about it – just use them!
State your own pronouns in your email signature to normalise it and make trans and non-binary people feel more comfortable sharing theirs too.
If you don’t know what pronouns to use, listen first – use the person’s name in the meantime.
Don’t ask a transgender person their “real name”.
Avoid backhanded compliments or “tips” – like “I would never have known you’re transgender, you look so pretty!” – these are microaggressions.
Challenge anti-transgender remarks or jokes.

Above all, make it your mission to learn more about being an ally.