Sandy and the Silence

The silence of cisgender people regarding the surge of anti-trans legislation creates profound isolation and despair within the trans community. Journalist Sandy Ernest Allen addresses this by inviting cisgender individuals to share their motivations for supporting trans rights, revealing that personal connections, shared values, and empathy often drive allyship. While many feel paralyzed by shame or fear of saying the wrong thing, proactive, visible support is essential for social change. Normalizing advocacy—even if it feels performative—functions similarly to the historical adoption of handwashing in medicine, where widespread practice eventually shifts societal norms. By moving past the fear of making mistakes and actively engaging in public support, allies can dismantle the apathy that currently threatens trans rights and provide a necessary sense of solidarity.