Trump has always been anti-trans; the rhetoric and policies flooding out of the White House in legislation, press conferences, and social media are not new. But now more than ever, trans people are becoming a scapegoat for the president, joining immigrants as one of the most vulnerable groups in the US and worldwide.

A presidential campaign that ran ads that deliberately targeted and demonised trans people is now creating policies that hurt an essential part of the LGBTQ+ community. Trump’s executive order effectively erasing trans people from the law caused real fear, as measured by the 700% increase in calls made to The Trevor Project the day after Trump was elected for the second time. With this grim reality, allies have to step up and rally.

One of the most effective ways we can support and advocate for our community is by educating ourselves and those around us about trans identities and experiences to counter the misinformation and fearmongering being spread. For those who are parents, caregivers, or role models for younger generations, it is imperative that we teach children about the existence and beauty of trans lives, and talk to them about the harm being done by those in power.

Many people don’t know how to approach the topic because they themselves don’t know a whole lot about trans people and their experiences. A similar problem hit mainstream news recently when Snoop Dogg, out of nowhere, took issue with queer representation in children’s films. The rapper felt uncomfortable explaining how an animated character could have two mums to his grandson because, “Y’all throwing me in the middle of shit that I don’t have an answer for…They’re going to ask questions. I don’t have the answer.” Snoop is right, kids are going to ask questions, but allies must be prepared with answers.

With that in mind, here are some tips to help you have conversations with younger people about trans rights and the anti-trans attacks coming from Trump and beyond.

1. Don’t overcomplicate it.
Children are seeking a general guide on how to treat others and understand the world around them. You don’t have to give them the blueprint to life—chances are, they wouldn’t follow it anyway. If you start with the background that trans people are a normal part of everyday life, you can’t go far wrong. You don’t have to get into details lik epuberty blockers or gender-affirming surgery straight away, just make them aware that lots of different people exist, and though we’re not all the same, we should all be equal. Your discussions can deepen as they get older and remember, kids understand more than we think. If they know about diversity early, societal prejudices and biases can be circumvented.

2. Use resources!
No one is expecting anyone to be an expert. Admitting you don’t know something is not shameful or a reason to oppose visibility (sorry, Snoop). Luckily, there are countless resources out there to bulk up your knowledge that cater to children’s education. Belong To, The Trevor Project, and Ben Greene all offer guides for caregivers. Even easier, watch shows and films and read books that deal with trans and queer themes to introduce representation naturally.

3. Talk to them about what’s going on, gently
Conversations about Trump will be unavoidable in most households, so it’s best not to shy away from them. Let your children know what’s happening from a trusted source (you!), but it’s important to also be conscious of not upsetting them too much. Remind them that trans rights are a human and dignity issue, not a political or public safety concern. Emphasise the dangers of mis-and disinformation for your kids—it’s not difficult to find an example in any Trump speech.

4. Challenge your own knowledge and biases
Know your own prejudices to avoid passing them on to younger generations. Talking about transness shouldn’t be taboo, but if it’s brought up in an awkward or stressful way, you can bet it will be picked up on. Particularly now, there is a strong tendency to frame trans people as victims only. Introduce trans people as people first; they’re more than the struggles they face, and everyone should know that.

Speaking to HuffPost, Ben Greene described it beautifully: “Trans lives are not bad lives. No matter what Trump wants to say, I love being trans. My identity has changed throughout the course of my life. I have built a home in my body and built an amazing community. There are challenges, but challenges aren’t inherent to being trans, and it is possible, deeply possible, to build a joyful life for our trans loved ones.”

5. If you have a trans child, listen to them
If your child has come out to you, that is a huge gift and a sign that you’re doing the right thing. It means they feel comfortable enough with you to share who they are, and that’s all you can wish for as a parent or caregiver. Listen to what they are telling you and support them in their feelings about anti-trans attitudes from Trump and beyond. It’s normal to feel intimidated or scared, but remember that there are organisations and resources ready to help you adjust and continue to care for your child. Connect them to resources, too, and take note of what they say makes them feel affirmed and celebrated.

6. Stay positive!
Jason Wu, Vice President of Advocacy and Government Affairs for The Trevor Project, recommended reminding children, and all people, that governments and legal systems move slowly—backwards and forwards. US and global institutions aren’t defenceless either; “There are checks and balances”. Activist groups and communities are fighting transphobic and homophobic policies at every turn, just look at all the legal challenges taken against the Trump administration so far.

There is no way that trans voices will be drowned out by loud lies proclaimed from the Oval Office. If you need a reminder of this, try reading feel-good stories like Ben Greene’s newsletter for US victories. Talking about the impact positive forward thinking can have on children, Greene noted that “Grounding ourselves and them in joy not only has significant protective effects for mental health or pride and identity development, it will help them build resilience in a very challenging four years.

“We cannot build a home in fear and anger when we lead with joy and talk about not what are we running away from all the time, but what are we moving towards? What are the things we are fighting for?”

Wu also shared: “I know that I can’t control everything in the world that my child lives in, but I can control what is said in our homes and amongst our communities and friends…it’s even more important for parents and other caretakers and guardians to create security and safety for the young people in their lives, while also being honest, in appropriate ways, about what’s happening in the world around them.”

Activism starts at home. Community resistance is a powerful form of rebellion against hateful anti-trans policies and campaigns spread by Trump and others, and you can start with your loved ones today.

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