Imagine facing discrimination at work or in the community based on who you are attracted to, or how you present yourself. This could include being refused service somewhere, or the inability to use a public bathroom. 

If you have ever felt ostracized for being your true self, think of how people in the LGBTQIA+ community might live this on a daily basis. You may be asking yourself, what can I do about it? 

It all starts with being an ally through understanding, compassion, and encouraging change.

What Does It Mean to Be an Ally?

An “ally” is someone who supports the needs and struggles of the LGBTQIA+ community both publicly and privately. They have a desire to learn and understand what this community is going through. 

An ally can also help LGBTQIA+ people feel supported and included. They can seek and institute ways of creating equality.

An ally can learn ways to support LGTBQIA+ people through learning how to respectfully use pronouns or asking how to use affirming language that makes them feel validated. 

Educate Yourself with LGBTQIA+ Issues

Education starts with researching news articles in your community, nationally, and globally, on LGBTQIA+ issues. For example:

• The lack of access for LGBTQIA+ adults to adopt and foster children.

• New legislation that makes it harder for transgender and gender-nonconforming youth to participate in sports.

• Violence and displacement impacting LGBTQIA+ people in the US and abroad.

• Bias against LGBTQIA+ students in schools.

• Stigma against those living with HIV.

• Discriminative policies against transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals regarding employment, housing, and public spaces.

How to Be an Ally for a Person of Color in the LGBTQIA+ Community

People of color in the LGBTQIA+ community face face another layer of obstacles that can make it even more difficult. Being uninformed about the issues a POC member of the LGBTQIA+ community faces can make talking with them difficult. In order to be an ally, this involves active listening and taking action where you can.

Be open to reflecting on some biases and assumptions you hold about race, including ones that might be unintentional or subconscious. Even if the conversation gets uncomfortable, that’s okay; it is part of the process.

When someone tells stories pertaining to their race, gender, or sexual identity, they are telling you this story from a vulnerable place. So, being an ally is about letting these stories be told even if your perspective differs from theirs.

Think of how to use your time, money, privilege, and access to support people of color in the LGBTQIA+ community. You can use your voice by supporting and advocating for POC-owned businesses, community figures, or educating others on what you have learned.

How to Show You Are an Ally at Pride

Pride has been a tradition for over 50 years and originally started as a way for the LGBTQIA+ community to be visible and affirm themselves in a world that was not willing to embrace them.

Many allies partake in Pride. There are over 1,000 Pride events all over the country to celebrate love and equality of all kinds.

Before attending pride, take a brief look at the origins that led to what is known as Pride today. You might come to appreciate why it is important for people in the LGBTQIA+ community to be seen and heard as they are. 

Pride is about honoring the legacy and the obstacles that have been overcome, and recognizing that there is always room for growth. You can celebrate knowing that you can have part of that impact.

Speak Up for the LGBTQIA+ Community

The best way you can be an ally for a friend, relative, or colleague in the LGBTQIA+ community is by advocating for them. If you hear a person call someone the wrong gender or use an offensive word, point that out to them as a teachable moment. Part of the responsibility of being an ally means enacting change in your own community. 

Promote diversity in the workplace to ensure equality. You can even wear a Pride pin on your clothes or post something on your social media to increase the conversation.

If you or a loved one have experienced challenges related to LGBTQIA+ issues, we offer counseling to help you figure out where to go from here. For more information, please reach out to us to schedule your free consultation.