Happy, happy Pride month everyone! This month, we wanted to focus on ways we can be allies throughout our communities always, not just during pride. Of course, heading to pride events and showing your support that way is a fun and exciting way to show your pride during the month of June – but what about the rest of the year?
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- Don’t make assumptions about anyone: leaving space for people to find support in you, or come out to you is a great way to be an ally. Don’t ever make an assumption that you know someone’s sexuality, and let them tell you when the time is right (or let them keep it to themselves if they prefer). No pressure relationships are the best – and you know what they say about assumptions!
- Develop your belief system surrounding LGBTQ+ issues: By having firm beliefs that all people should be treated with dignity and respect, you ensure that all of your actions will be out of love and respect. This enables you to be a great ally and safe space for all! This also means that you confront any preconceived notions or biases you may have, and face them head on.
- Actively confront bias or misrepresentation in the media: We see it every day- and there actually is something you can do! If you see something that is a misrepresentation of LGBTQ+ people in the community, you can contact glaad.org and report it.
- Be respectful of pronouns and encourage others to do so as well: If someone has a preferred pronoun or represents themselves a certain way, respect that! Make sure you are aware of it – and encourage others to respect their requests as well. If you are uncomfortable with this, use their name and avoid pronouns.
- Broaden your scope of reference: Make sure you are listening to and elevating diverse and LGBTQ+ voices, and remembering that there are MANY opinions and viewpoints in our world. Education is key!
Have more questions on how you can be an ally? Here are some great resources:
https://lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu/educated/ally-tips
https://queerintheworld.com/best-lgbt-ally/
