Celebrating Pride month is a great way to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community, but being an ally goes beyond the month of June. Being an ally means standing up for, supporting, and encouraging the LGBTQIA+ community. It means being informed about the issues that are important to the community, and advocating for rights and equal treatment. It means giving support to those marginalized and encouraging others to be allies. Read on to start taking your first steps in becoming an ally.
Being informed is a an important step in supporting LGBTQIA+ community. Reading blogs and books, or listening to podcasts is a great place to start. Ask genuine questions, and be honest about what you don’t know. In order to speak up, support, and advocate, it’s helpful to do some research. Here is a great website to get you started! And keep an eye out for an upcoming blog post that will list helpful books.
Another way to support those in the LGBTQIA+ community is using correct names and pronouns. Don’t assume someone’s gender or pronouns by appearance or name. Instead, politely ask their pronouns. Asking can sound something like this: “Hi, my name is Alex, and I go by ‘she/her’ pronouns. How should I refer to you?” Being able to use the correct pronouns for that person can be validating, respectful, and can create an inclusive environment. Still have questions? Try this site to learn more about what pronouns are and why they matter, how to use pronouns, what to do if you make a mistake, and more.
WHAT CAN I DO TO BE A STRONG ALLY?
A few other ways to show your support can be:
- Having open and honest conversations with both your straight and cisgender friends and family as well as your LGBTQIA+ friends and family.
- Speaking up when an anti-LGBTQIA+ comment or joke arises, and explain why those comments or jokes are harmful and offensive.
- Integrate inclusive language into your regular conversations and professional interactions.
- Join pro-LGBTQIA+ causes or groups on social networks.
- Attend Pride celebrations and other community events.
- Add your pronouns to your email signature and share your pronouns when introducing yourself to new friends or colleague.
Supporting and accepting sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression can create a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community. If you or someone you know is in need of help, visit this site for mental health resources created for LGBTQIA+ people.
At Heartland Therapy Connection, we are a collection of LGBTQIA+ members and allies who would love the opportunity to meet with you. Feel free to call us at (816) 287-0252, email us at hello@heartlandtherapyconnection.com, or learn more about us on our website here. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
