Want information about acquiring buttons and other wearable I’ll Go With You beacons? Visit Our Button Site!
I’ll Go With You / #IllGoWithYou allies go into bathrooms and other spaces with people who may be afraid or concerned about their safety. An #IllGoWithYou ally offers support, buffering, and nonviolent assistance when asked.
What is this idea?
We, the organizers, are part of the trans and/or queer communities. And while some members of the trans community can “pass” for cisgender enough to avoid comment in gendered spaces, not all can do so, want to do so, or are confident in their ability to do so. This threatens the safety of transgender, genderqueer, and other gender-nonconforming people. Additionally, the legal status of gender-nonconforming individuals accessing gendered spaces is inconsistent, and too often challenged.
We say this sucks. No one should have to feel unsafe using a restroom or other gendered space which conforms with their gender identity.
Our pledge, the pledge of #IllGoWithYou, is that those of us with passing privilege offer to be a bathroom buddy, a watch-your-back person, a stand-up-for-you person. #IllGoWithYou says “I will have your back. I will be your witness.”
What Can I Do?
First of all, be the change you want to see in the world. If you see someone being bullied for their gender expression or identity, speak up, help them get out, or get help.
The I’ll Go With You organizers have also created #IllGoWithYou buttons you can wear on a jacket or backpack to indicate publicly that you are willing to be tapped as a bathroom buddy (or other type of ally — sometimes you just need someone to pretend to know you long enough to get some random jerk to back off).
You can also Tweet or post on Facebook, Tumblr or other social media with the #IllGoWithYou hashtag. Remember that hashtags are NOT case-sensitive, but you CANNOT use an apostrophe in the hashtag! We’re normally in favor of good punctuation, just not in hashtags!
Steps For Allies
- Be visible: Wear one of our buttons (or other beacons) or use the #IllGoWithYou hashtag to indicate willingness to be a buddy.
- If you are asked for help, and you feel safe doing so, help! Ask how you can help your buddy the most.
- Keep yourself safe! Read our full “What To Do” to learn more about handling questions, harassment, and the possibility of violence.