The stigma faced by gender variant people will only reduce when society learns not to censure, delegitimise and vilify them. The only realistic way for this to happen is for trans people to build alliances across society, particularly in the media, in centres of power and in the workplace.
Consequences of stigma include demoralisation to a clinically significant extent, verbal abuse, violence, family breakdown and reduced employability.
Having visible cisgender allies who are willing to stand up and be counted is a vital way to mitigate the adversity faced by this disadvantaged group.
Jane Clark