Written by: Abbey Riendeau, LMHC
As the month of June kicks off and Pride events begin, LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, +) related topics come up more frequently in conversations. Anyone can support the LGBTQ+ community, but being an ally involves taking the additional step of taking action for the community. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines an ally as, “one that is associated with another as a helper : a person or group that provides assistance and support in an ongoing effort, activity, or struggle.” To move from a supporter of the community to a helper of the community requires an individual to actively work against discrimination towards the community.
Allies can identify as any orientation; lesbian, gay, transgender, cisgender, queer, questioning, etc. If an ally is not a member of the LGBTQ+ community themself, they can still provide support and advocate for the community, although it will be important to acknowledge differences in experience. An ally that is not a member of the LGBTQ+ community can acknowledge differences in experiences and demonstrate openness to learning by stating to a community member, “I know that I do not understand what it is like to have lived your experiences, but I am here to listen if you want to share it with me.”
Being an ally means you care for, support, and advocate for all individuals within the community. Allyship involves learning, advocacy, openness, understanding, and empathy. Below are some qualities, characteristics, and behaviors of allies that support the LGBTQ+ community:
Allies for the LGBTQ+ community…
Work to stay informed on current issues.
Outspoken about what is right and supports equality.
Assist in creating a platform to rally against hate and discrimination.
Advocate for equal treatment of all people, regardless of sexual orientation, preference, or belief.
Spread knowledge, awareness, and mutual respect for all human beings.
Are committed to diversity, inclusion, and respect.
Recognize how negative social stereotypes and unconscious biases cause harm.
Avoid making assumptions about others’ identities.
Increase knowledge about intersectionality to improve support to marginalized groups, such as LGBTQIA, black people, indigenous people, BIPOC, women, immigrants, and others.
Understands how patterns of oppression creates negative impacts and is willing to identify and challenge oppressive behaviors in others.
Finds a way to combat or confront hate and discrimination that is personally congruent.
Promote a sense of community with LGBTQ+ individuals.
It may seem like being an ally takes a lot of time and effort, but it really comes down to being willing to evaluate your own beliefs and biases, being open to new information, demonstrating a willingness to stand up for the rights of others, and treating others with respect and empathy. Allies have opportunities to learn from and interact with communities they might not otherwise be involved in. Additionally, allies showing their support for the LGBTQ+ community may make a difference in someone’s life by communicating they are a safe person to talk to.
If you are interested in becoming an ally or strengthening your allyship to the LGBTQ+ community, consider the following steps:
Steps to be an Ally:
Awareness: Become aware of similarities and differences between you and LGBTQ+ individuals. You may do this through conversations with this community, reading information from this community, or via self-examination.
Knowledge: Become educated on the current issues and events related to the community. Learn the facts, statistics, laws, policies, and culture of the LGBTQ+ community.
Welcoming: Create and encourage an atmosphere of respect and support. Acknowledge and appreciate differences among individuals.
Action: Teach and share knowledge with others. Identify actionable ways to advocate for the rights of others.
Our therapists at Forensic Insight Group are educated in challenges and issues experienced by the LGBTQ+ individuals and are active allies for the community. Our clinicians are here to support the LGBTQ+ community and provide assistance to those who need it. Contact us today to learn more about current therapy groups or to schedule a free fifteen-minute consultation regarding individual therapy or other services.
Citation:
What does it mean to be an LGBTQ ally? (n.d.). Www.summahealth.org. https://www.summahealth.org/flourish/entries/2021/06/what-does-it-mean-to-be-an-lgbtq-ally
What is an Ally? | University of Illinois Counseling Center. (n.d.). Counselingcenter.illinois.edu. http://counselingcenter.illinois.edu/outreach-consultation-prevention/cultural-diversity-outreach/queers-allies/lgbt-ally-network/what
Allyship. (n.d.). The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. https://gaycenter.org/about/allyship/