How to support transgender and non-binary people?

Support for transgender and non-binary people in classes:

1. If you’re unsure how to address a transgender person, ask, for example, after class or in an email. You can also suggest that during the first class, everyone participating introduce themselves by name, surname, and preferred pronoun. Start with yourself, introducing yourself by name, surname, and pronouns. This will spare the transgender person the stress of stepping out of line and being a special case, while also providing everyone with an answer to the question, “How should I address you?”.
2. How should non-binary people be addressed? Should they be addressed “by your first name”? Of course, each person may have their own preferred address. In this case, we recommend trying to maintain the same rules for everyone in the group. Addressing a non-binary person “by your first name” can make the other participants feel they are being treated differently. Therefore, we suggest addressing them as “Sirs and Madams.” However, if non-binary people use the forms “poszlum” or “byłom,” there is no reason to correct them.
3. It’s worth being careful with words – not “trans” or “transsexuals,” but transgender people. Pay attention to the words people use in class and respond if necessary. Transgender people encounter hostility and hatred very often. Let’s create a safe space for them at the University of Warsaw.
4. No harm will come if you accidentally address a transgender person with the wrong pronoun. Simply correct it immediately and continue speaking. Everyone can make a slip of the tongue sometimes. There’s no need to explain a mistake. However, deliberate misgendering, or persistently addressing a transgender person with a pronoun of a gender they don’t identify with, is definitely inappropriate.
5. Try not to ask questions that could be perceived as prying, or concerning intimate matters. Don’t ask about planned surgery, or ask “why you were wearing a skirt yesterday, and today you’re dressed like a man.”
6. You cannot demand that a transgender person present a medical certificate or a psychologist confirming their gender identity.
7. It’s important to avoid phrases like “trapped in the wrong body” or “gender transition.” There’s no need to look for drama in the situation of transgender people. However, they deserve respect, just like everyone else. You can’t change your gender, but you can undergo gender reassignment or gender transition.
8. Self-education is a good idea – a list of publications and guides is provided below. Don’t expect transgender people to educate you.
9. Everyday empathy – listen and show understanding for the experiences and needs of people studying at the University of Warsaw.
10. Our community is diverse in many ways – that’s why there are no “typical trans people,” “typical gay people,” or “typical lesbians.” Try not to pigeonhole yourself.