Transgender Awareness Week 2025: How to Be an Ally to the Community
Each year, Transgender Awareness Week is observed from November 13 to 19, leading up to Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20. It serves as a reminder of the importance of awareness, allyship, and ongoing action.
According to the UCLA Williams Institute, 2.8 million people ages 13 and up identify as transgender: about a third are transgender women, another third are transgender men, and the final third are considered non-binary (ucla.edu). This week is a time to honor transgender experiences, celebrate resilience, and foster greater acceptance of all gender identities.
What is Transgender Awareness Week and Why it Matters
Transgender Awareness Week is an annual campaign that helps raise awareness and visibility about who the transgender community is and the challenges they face. During this week, transgender people and their allies work together to educate the public about who transgender people are through their stories and experiences. The hope is to encourage action against the injustices and prejudice the transgender community faces.
Similarly, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is an annual observance that honors the memories of transgender people who died because of anti-transgender acts of violence. It was founded in 1999 by transgender advocate Gwendolyn Ann Smith to honor Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was murdered the year before (glaad.org). The event was held as a vigil that also honored other transgender people lost to violence that year, and has been held every year since. To attend a Transgender Day of Remembrance vigil, get in touch with local LGBTQ organizations to see where they’re being held.
How to be an Ally
Being an ally requires taking consistent action in addition to showing support. Here are a few ideas below for how you can show your allyship:
Listen and learn. Be open-minded when listening to stories and perspectives from transgender people.
Use correct names and pronouns. Respecting someone’s identity is a simple yet powerful form of affirmation.
Support trans-led organizations. Donate to or volunteer with groups that advocate for transgender health, rights, and visibility.
Advocate for inclusion. Encourage inclusive policies in your workplace, schools, and community spaces.
Challenge stigma and misinformation. Speak up when you encounter transphobia or harmful stereotypes.
Allyship is a continuous journey of learning, reflection, and action. Even small acts of kindness and respect can have a profound impact.
Continuing Awareness Every Day
While Transgender Awareness Week is an important annual observance, the work of inclusion continues every day. At Mae Mental Wellness, we’re committed to creating spaces that support LGBTQ+ mental health, promote understanding, and encourage authenticity for all. Through compassionate care and the expertise of our board-certified providers, we empower transgender individuals to live openly, confidently, and thrive.
To book an appointment at Mae Mental Wellness, you can fill out this form or call (561) 231-0233. Learn more about services we offer and which insurance we accept.
