A simplistic reminder with a concept that is apparently hard to grasp: Do not be Transphobic, Racist, Ableist, Sexist, or Homophobic.

What is the meaning of T.R.A.S.H.?

TRASH is an abbreviation for five discriminatory terms in which a right-minded person would never condone the behavior of. The given definitions are very important to know and understand if one is to follow how to not be TRASH.

1) T is for Transphobic meaning a person who rejects the transgender community.

2) R is for Racist meaning a person who believes one racial group is superior over another.

3) A is for Ableist meaning a person who values able-bodied people over the disabled community.

4) S is for Sexist meaning a person who stereotypes sexes and enhances gender roles.

5) H is for Homophobic meaning a person who strongly dislikes people with same sex relations.

Why is not being T.R.A.S.H. important?

In this day and age as we further progress into modern needs, our style of treating others is responsible for shaping the generations of future citizens on this planet. With the impressionable audiences and youngsters among us, it is necessary to take further responsibility to prevent historical tragedies from repeating itself. Time does not flow backwards. Nor can we afford time in the expense of repercussions.

When people go unhinged and have an overwhelmingly urge to be TRASH, their source of satisfaction is to gain power. Whether it be saying a derogatory slur from across the street or even forming groups dedicating to cause physical harm to minorities. As you finish reading this sentence, there has been hundreds of hate crimes conducted towards others for simply being them. Just like waste from a trashcan, TRASH people can spread easily and be hard to eliminate.

How to prevent T.R.A.S.H. people from spreading?

1) Protest – If you passionately want to fight for a cause along with others who strongly share the same beliefs, protesting is a great way to go. Marching is empowering movements demanding mainly political or social change.

2) Donate – Giving your money organizations or supporting small businesses economically enhances your anti-TRASH motives.

3) Petitions – Signing petitions are quick and easy. You can skim through them at the comfort of your own home without spending a dime. This may be the easiest but also has helped spread awareness to many different issues.

4) Vote – Electing candidates who are working overtime and restless nights to achieve the goals you believe in are so essential that it is overlooked. Your voice matters. Vote for representatives who are anti-TRASH.

What to keep in mind

Although TRASH does not cover all aspects of discrimination, it acts as a starter kit for those still learning or recovering from previous beliefs and actions. For those who are looking for ways to further help stop the spread of TRASH, there are three important factors to keep in mind.

1) Research – Learning for yourself is one of the first steps into being anti-TRASH. Look for reliable sources that have unbiased opinions or beliefs. Websites with favorable views are often misleading and can do more harm than good. Remind yourself that change starts with you.

2) Listen – There is no point in telling stories if they are not being listened to. Be sure that when someone who has had prejudice experience is sharing their take on firsthand discrimination, they are heard. Continue to uplift marginalized communities because they have been silenced for too long.

3) Educate – If you are in a position to teach others about topics of discrimination then spread it like wildfire. Extinguish the fiery hate built up in peoples’ hearts and dismantle the ideas that have sparked the flame to bigotry. Hate is taught, but treating people with kindness is taught too.