From Nice to Necessary
A Starter's Guide for White Women Who Want to Cause Good Trouble
What is The Guide?
This guide is a call to action for white women — whether you call yourself an ally or have never questioned your role — to step into dismantling white supremacy, transphobia, and systemic violence. It’s not theory. It’s a manual for courage, written in a moment where silence costs lives.
Who Created it?
This guide was created through Sisterhood Not Cisterhood, a program of Trans Empowerment Project. It carries personal stories, collective wisdom, and lessons from leaders of color who have long demanded white women’s accountability. Written by Heather Knoxville, TEP’s COO, for white women, it recognizes that the work of unlearning cannot always fall on those harmed. Grounded in feedback from BIPOC, trans, and marginalized leaders, it reflects the realities of those most impacted.
Who is This Guide Intended For?
This guide was written directly for white women who stay quiet at the table, excuse bigotry, or avoid “rocking the boat.” We’re also speaking to those who call themselves allies but stop short of hard conversations, resource redistribution, or the bold action real solidarity requires.
Why Should We Read it?
Because silence is never neutral. Because our systems are escalating toward dehumanization and genocide. Because collective power is urgent — and white women hold more of it than we admit.
This guide is both an invitation and demand: stop normalizing harm and start organizing against it!
Keep Learning
Silence Isn’t Neutral — It’s Deadly. It’s Time for White Women to Speak Up.
When Charlie Kirk was killed, America’s public stage erupted in sympathy. Flags were lowered, NFL teams held moments of silence, talk show hosts wept on camera, and GoFundMe pages filled with donations for his wife and children. But I couldn’t help asking: Where was...
About the Author of the Guide
Heather Knoxville (she/they) is a Queer, AuDHD, domestic violence survivor turned outspoken advocate for others who are being abused, especially those who are being oppressed because of who they are. She’s passionate about mobilizing allies who will speak up for their marginalized siblings, and their ultimate goal is to build a femme-led network of support across the US. Feel free to chat with Heather about all things social justice, sisterhood, allyship, and/or the collective works of Stephen King!!