I grew up in conservative churches, so I’m not sure how I turned out to be an Ally for the LGBTQ+ or LGBTQIA2S+ community, but I’ve always believed that everyone is worthy. Back in the ‘80s, a dear friend told me that she was gay and had a girlfriend. We were both teens, and my friend was worried that telling me that she was gay would ruin our friendship. I was surprised that it would even be an issue because we had been friends for years. I remember telling her that it was between her and God, and that if God was ok with it, so was I. She seemed so relieved, and we sat and talked for a long time that evening. Looking back, I realize how hard it must have been for her to be honest with anyone back then. To this day, she is still one of my dear friends.
That was way back in the '80s, but now that it’s the 21st century, there’s a definition for a person like me. I’m a straight Ally for the LGBTQ+ community. A straight ally, heterosexual ally, cisgender ally, or cis ally (often simply called an ally) is a heterosexual and cisgender person who actively supports and advocates for equal civil rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ social movements. This support goes beyond just accepting or tolerating LGBTQ+ people; it involves taking action to create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Being an Ally isn’t always easy and may involve facing challenges, but it's a critical component in the ongoing effort to achieve full equality and inclusion for the LGBTQIA2S+ community.
According to the HRC website, these are helpful ways to support the LGBTQ+ people in your life :
When socializing with straight, cisgender friends and family
Create social settings that bring your straight, cisgender and LGBTQ+ friends and family together.
Find opportunities to talk openly with your straight and/or cisgender friends about your LGBTQ+ friends and family and the issues they face.
Casually mention a news item about an LGBTQ+ issue in a positive way.
Mention other LGBTQ+ friends or family you might have in open conversations.
When socializing with LGBTQ+ friend and family
Talk openly and honestly with your LGBTQ+ loved ones about their lives.
Make sure that you include the partners of your LGBTQ+ loved ones in events and activities, just as you would any other friend’s spouse or significant other.
Attend pride celebrations and other LGBTQ+ community events.
Suggest a get-together to watch a movie or show with LGBTQ+ topics or characters.
At work
Add your pronouns to your email signature or share your pronouns when introducing yourself to new friends or colleagues. For guidance on using pronouns, view HRC’s Pronouns 101 resource.
If you hear an anti-LGBTQ+ comment or joke, speak up and explain why such comments or jokes are harmful and offensive.
Integrate inclusive language into your regular conversations, professional interactions and/or spiritual life.
Put a supportive symbol or sign in your office or home, or on your vehicle. For example, you could wear an LGBTQ+ ally button, add a rainbow sticker on your name badge at work, or put the Human Rights Campaign equal sign sticker on your car.
On your own
Read an LGBTQ+ publication.
Post a message in support of LGBTQ+ issues on social media.
Get involved with pro-LGBTQ+ groups and campaigns and contact your elected officials about LGBTQ+ rights.
Join pro-LGBTQ+ causes or groups on social media and through other social networking opportunities.
Visit the website for PFLAG (formerly known as Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), a national organization that unites parents, families and allies with people who are LGBTQ+. You can go to pflag.org for information on local meetings and PFLAG public education programs across the country.
Stand up for LGBTQ+ issues in every aspect of your life — even if there are no LGBTQ+ people there to watch.
It’s been nearly 40 years since someone first came out to me. As a career educator, I worked 31 years with young people. I’ve seen people be kind and people be cruel. I’ve seen parents love and accept their kids when they came out to them. Those parents might have been confused or worried, but they knew that they loved their child more than they loved anyone or anything else. I’ve also seen parents kick their child out when that child came out to them. Unfortunately, those were usually the so-called “Christian” parents. I’ve seen schools do their very best to take care of all students. I’ve seen schools work hard to keep all kids safe. I’ve seen teachers, counselors, and administrators cry over their students. I do believe that students recognize the adults who are on their side. Those are the adults that students tend to go to when they need to be honest and share something important. Those are the adults who often become the student’s first Ally. I’m now a retired school counselor, but I’ll never retire from being an Ally for the LGBTQ+ community.
June is Pride month: an observation of LGBTQ+ culture through celebration and protest.
No comments:
Post a Comment