Happy Trans awareness week. Here are my 7 tips for being a good Trans Ally:

1. Never out a Trans person. No matter how well you know them or how much exposure they have. They know their safety points, you don't. Trans people still suffer shockingly high levels of violence. Never out them; you can't take it back.

2. If you don't know what pronouns to use, first watch and listen. People who know the person will probably use the right pronouns with them. If in doubt, introduce yourself with your own pronouns, then ask theirs. If you make an error with someone's pronouns...

apologise, correct yourself, and move swiftly on (lingering on the error is awkward for everyone). If you find out someone is Trans after knowing them a while, don't panic and suddenly ask for their pronouns when you already know them.

3. Educate yourself. Be well-read on the Trans experience: Know your terms and know what is offensive. Read books, follow Trans people on social media, watch Trans youtubers.

4. Be vocal in your support, be political in your support. Do not tolerate ignorance or disrespect to the Trans community. You may think that thing you said in the office that one time to support Trans people made no difference, but believe me, it did.

5. Be aware of the media. Be aware of what headline or political policy Trans people may have had to wake up to. In the UK, the media-led discourse on Trans people is inaccurate, divisive and unyielding.

Headlines range from mildly offensive, to statements which de-humanise Trans people entirely. A strong focus is often put on children, surgery and women's rights, in order to fuel an uninformed emotional outcry from the general public.

6. Support Trans creatives - we make art, write books, direct films, but often with little resource or accolade.

7. Be Brave - I always finish my list with 'Be Brave', because it is difficult to stand with the oppressed, especially ones who are subject to physical abuse. Sometimes, that seems like a really scary space to enter.

Bear your safety in mind, but I will always advocate that where you are able to, be brave. It is only through our individual and collective acts of bravery, that we change the world.