I'll Go With You

Some months ago, Karen was in a public restroom where a cis woman looked like she was about to say something harsh to a trans woman. Karen spoke up first: "I like your skirt!" They exchanged pleasantries, and the other woman stifled herself.

I assist someone who had previously been told by store staff that they had to use the other changing room. When I learned this, I explained the meaning of my "#IllGoWithYou" pin. Recently, I had the opportunity to stand outside the women's changing room in that store, telling them things like, "Wow, the red really goes well with your skin tone! On the hangers, I liked the black dress more, but the red one really works well on you!" Staff and customers were right there, and nobody so much as looked askance at us.

#IllGoWithYou doesn't just mean, "I'll back you up if someone harasses you," but also, "I'll set an example, and make sure everyone else knows that you belong here." (Also, "I will use my cis privilege to keep other people from abusing theirs.")

(Aside: Karen doesn't remember her part of this. If I've misremembered, and given her credit for your story, please let me know.)