Pride month has come to a conclusion. It has been a time for celebration, strength, and coming together. Each year, it serves as a time for the LGBTQIA+ community to reflect on the strides made toward equality.
Unfortunately, as a whole, we’re still very far away from the level of acceptance and equality we should be at. The LGBTQIA+ community is still very much under attack, even more so now as we enter another political season.
This community alone shouldn’t be the only one fighting for their rights. The anti-discrimination fight requires additional support from friends, families, and allies. Being an effective ally means more than wearing rainbow apparel or posting on social media. Here are ways you can serve as a stronger ally.
Educate Yourself
If you’re unfamiliar with the history of the LGBTQIA+ fight, now is a great time to learn. Start with taking some time to do your research and educate yourself. Even if you have people in your life who are LGBTQIA+, it’s important to remember that it’s not their job to teach you.
Use these people as support tools and references, but do as much of the work as you can first. Gain an understanding on why they’re fighting, what they’re fighting about and for, and how they’ve historically been mistreated.
Part of the education process is learning their perspective on the world around us. Taking this initial step on your own will show your interest and dedication to this cause. It will show that you care and are willing to put in the effort, making them more likely to share their lived experiences.
Confront Unconscious Biases
As with any racial or gender issue, it’s important to do a little self-reflection to improve your awareness. Many of us carry unconscious biases that we don’t even realize we have. It’s okay to take a step back and acknowledge our own privileges and upbringings that may have influenced our thoughts.
Understanding your own views and who you are as a person will improve your interaction with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Ask Questions
Once you get more familiar with yourself and the LGBTQIA+ history, you will be able to move forward with the situation more effectively. When new and unfamiliar circumstances or interactions arise, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Never make assumptions about a person because there’s no cookie-cutter mold for how someone may look or act. This community is just as diverse as any other.
Create Inclusive Spaces
When you want to be an ally, it’s important to keep inclusivity at the top of the priority list. You never want anyone to feel like an outsider or uncomfortable. Create spaces where anyone feels safe and accepted. Hold conversations that are respectful and welcoming.
This can go beyond immediate interactions. For example, you can make strides in the workplace towards diversity and inclusion. You can start school initiatives that advocate for equality.
Take Action
Being an ally also means taking a stand when appropriate and necessary. Truly being an ally means showing up and taking action. There are a number of different ways that you can go about this that match your comfort level.
Activities to explore include signing a petition, making donations to a cause, joining a protest in support of LGBTQIA+ rights, helping educate others, or even standing up to those who are offensive or discriminatory.
Remember, being an ally is more than the performative art that consumes social media. If you would like to learn more about becoming a better ally, you have support options available. Reach out to us for guidance to make these changes.
Learn more about LGBTQIA therapy in Colorado.
