How to be an Ally to the LGBTQIA+ Community
June is Pride month! Below are some ways that you can be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, this month and every month!
Recognize (and then Challenge) Biases and Assumptions
From a young age, we are all surrounded by hetero-normative messages within society; we assume that people identify with the sex they were assigned at birth and little boys/girls will grow up to be with opposite-sex partners. Additionally, biases and assumptions can exist within the community and can serve to reinforce false and harmful stereotypes (i.e., all gay men are effeminate, bisexual erasure, etc.) Keeping assumptions in check and choosing to use inclusive language (like partner, spouse, or significant other), as well as asking people how they identify, can make a huge difference and be an easy way to show support. Validate people’s sexual orientation and gender expression.
Do Some Research
Show the individuals in your life who are a part of the community that you’re willing to put in some work to learn the lingo, as well as research the most pressing issues within the community. You don’t have to know everything to be an ally, but it’s your responsibility to take the initiative and follow up on topics or ideas you don’t understand. Google is your friend! It’s okay to ask questions about topics or issues but do the heavy lifting to educate yourself first as much as possible and don’t place the emotional burden of your own education and understanding on your friends/family within the community.
Show (Visible) Support
Speak up in your social circles and on your social media platforms regarding your support for the community. Give your money to businesses run by people who identify as LGBTQIA+. Subscribe to newsletters and/or podcasts discussing and highlighting important individuals and issues within the community. See movies and read books by and about LGBTQIA+ individuals. Attend events within the community related to LGBTQIA+ issues. Educate other allies. Speak out against statements and jokes that attack LGBTQIA+ people. When LGBTQIA+ topics come up, state up front that you’re an ally, letting those around you know you’re available as a resource and support.
Get Active
After doing research regarding the most pressing issues within the community, find ways to show up in a significant way. Write letters to your political representatives asking them to support legislation that positively affects LGBTQIA+ people. Show up and support friends/family and individuals who are already politically active within the community.
Written by Ashley Waters, PhD