Micro-inclusions are small steps to include someone who might be on the margins. They are symbolic actions that force us to recall the humanity of others. What will you do today?
November 30 is the last day of our #30DaysOfAction series. We are grateful today and every day for the acts of kindness and inclusion that each of you take to make the world a better place.
Before some action ideas, a quick reminder about both micro-aggressions, and micro-inclusions:
Microaggressions are brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities – whether intentional or unintentional – that communicate derogatory or negative slights and insults (or even some hostility) toward a group of people. These words and actions establish, reflect, and reinforce the dominant paradigm, erasing the experiences and realities of a minority.
That’s a mouthful, but the reality is that trans and non-binary individuals and loved ones experience these draining and damaging words and actions every day.
Although people may not intend to be hurtful, it still hurts and can have profound, life-altering implications.
To counter that hurt, we CAN be intentional about creating a world that is more welcoming, more embracing, more kind, and more human. Micro-inclusions are just that: Small steps to include someone, to see the humanity in each other.
Here are a few examples of very small, but very impactful, things you can do:
- Make eye contact
- Smile (at or with someone)
- Introduce yourself with your pronouns and invite others to share theirs (See Day 9)
- Have trans-inclusive literature available in your waiting room (if you are a provider) à Need some rack cards to put out? FORGE will send you some for free! (See Day 28)
- Counter anti-trans comments of others – step in, speak up
- Send a text, or better yet a postcard! (See Day 23)
- Say hello
- Actively celebrate all bodies and styles (See Day 17)
- Put up that yard sign or wave that flag (See Day 10)
- Share what you know about trans rights (See Day 25)
- Compliment someone
- Notice and comment on resilience you see in other people
- Use gender-inclusive language, y’all (See Day 12)
Countering violence and trauma affecting trans and non-binary people and loved ones is not necessarily hard work. It can be as simple as a smile, a word, a symbol, a gesture.
What are you going to do today to make change the world and make it a better, safer place?