Sign up for a free resource: 5 things to do before calling yourself a trans ally therapist

Have you found yourself looking at the long list of “issues” on your directory profile and wondering if you should tick “LGBT”, “Sexuality” or “Gender Identity”? Why wouldn’t you? Don’t you want to be an ally, after all? 

During lockdown, the symbol of a rainbow started to be used to show support for the NHS. Rainbows were drawn in chalk on pavements, or put up in windows. People bought rainbow badges and lanyards. More rainbow motifs appeared on clothing. While well intentioned, this had the impact of making it more difficult for trans and queer people to identify safe places and people. 

Before this, the rainbow lanyard stood for safety. It identified those who felt committed to giving the LGBTQ+ community safe care. As a member of the community I also know that those who claim to be allies don’t always display allyship in their behaviour, despite the lanyards. I also believe that the 'tick-box nature' of directory profiles can also cause damage.

I work regularly with people who really want to do good by the community. They believe that they must advertise themselves as LGBT affirmative, or as an ally, because to do otherwise would be homophobic or transphobic. Trans people deserve better reasons than this, though, and counsellors deserve more support in offering these vitally needed services.

If you're a counsellor who's already working with the community, or is interested in doing so, I've produced a free resource and a more in-depth CPD training outlining 5 actions you can take before ticking that box on your directory profile. To sign up for the free resource, please input your details in the pop-up box on my website. You can read more about the CPD training by clicking the button below.