As a straight white woman, I feel that I’ve been privileged by not facing any backlash about my gender or sexuality, but as we know, members of the LGBTQ+ community face it daily in person and online.
I’ve grown up with friends in the LGBTQ+ community and have seen first hand the harassment, abuse and spite they get just for – like the rest of us – being themselves.
Of course there has been progress, but the community still faces negativity which is why I feel it’s important to be a supportive, friendly face in a sea full of hate.
Being an ally isn’t like being a secret agent, it’s not a big deal or anything, you’re just being a friend – it’s as simple as that, and there are some ways in which you can be an ally successfully:
Listen
If you don’t feel completely comfortable about your knowledge of the community that’s fine, even just listening and learning goes a long way. Showing your support by listening to your friends and what they have to say will go a long way and will show that you can be trusted and accepting.
Be open-minded
Just like being a good listener, you can also be open minded. There may be things you know, but I can assure you from experience that there is plenty that you don’t know about the LGBTQ+ community. That doesn’t mean that you should not be open to learning more, though.
Be willing to talk
This could be interpreted in a few ways. If you have a question, ask away. Being curious shows that you’re interested and invested in the community and that you want to learn more. This could also mean supporting your friends in the community when they need supporting.
Inclusivity
We’re all human beings at the end of the day, invite your LGBTQ+ friends out with you or go to an event with them, I’m sure you will meet some amazing people and learn even more from them than you knew already.
Don’t assume
Don’t assume someones sexuality because there is always the chance that you’re completely off track and also, sexuality isn’t just put into one box. Let the other person tell you their sexuality when they’re comfortable with doing so.
Confront your own prejudice
Being an LGBTQ+ ally may also mean confronting your own prejudice and opinions you might have thought in the past. You may realise that your thought weren’t even your own, or that you didn’t have a complete understanding of the community. It’s never too late to learn.
Join/support groups and charities
Going to your first Pride (like me) or even just starting by buying some rainbow merchandise is a way of showing your support to the community. The more you can expand your support and allyship the better. You may also meet other allies through this way.
These are just a few ways in which you can be a good ally to the LGBTQ+ community but in essence it really does just come down to being kind, supportive, open minded and accepting – traits that are simple but so admirable.