Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is an LGBTQIA+ Ally?
• 5 Ways to Be a Better LGBTQIA+ Ally
• Conclusion
• FAQs
  
• References

Introduction

In today's world, it is crucial to create a supportive environment for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Being a better ally requires more than just tolerance; it demands genuine understanding, empathy, and active engagement.

By taking intentional steps to educate oneself, listen, and advocate for equality, anyone can contribute to creating a more inclusive society.

This article will explore five essential ways to be a better LGBTQIA+ ally, providing practical insights and strategies to promote acceptance, respect, and allyship for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Embracing these principles not only enhances personal growth but also contributes to the collective effort of building a more equitable and welcoming world for everyone.

What is an LGBTQIA+ Ally?

Anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can support the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Iintersex and Asexual) community.

However, being an ally of this population requires taking action. 

Allies stay informed on current LGBTQIA+ issues and events and speak up for what's right. They also support equality by advocating for policies that protect LGBTQIA+ individuals from discrimination.

Allies are crucial and welcomed supporters of the LGBTQIA+ movement, as they possess one of the most powerful and influential voices.

They aid in creating a platform for activism to combat homophobia and transphobia, and they actively advocate for equal treatment for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation.

Read more here.

5 Ways to Be a Better LGBTQIA+ Ally

Coming out can be a significant and personal experience for many LGBTQIA+ individuals. It is common for people to come out for the first time when they join a community.

Discovering that someone you care about is LGBTQIA+ may trigger a range of emotions, and it can be challenging to know how to react and support them.

However, it is crucial to understand that when someone comes out to you, either directly or indirectly, they are confiding in you because they value your relationship and want to be genuine and honest with you.

It is worth noting that each individual's experience is unique, and the support they require may differ from person to person.

There is no single approach to being an excellent ally, but there are various ways to become a more supportive friend, colleague, or loved one.

1. Learn, Listen, and Educate Yourself

It is crucial to actively listen to what people from the LGBTQIA+ community have to say.

You can do this by following them on social media and consuming content created by them to gain a better understanding of their experiences and perspectives.

If someone comes out to you, let them take the lead in the conversation. If they bring it up casually, respond in kind. If they are being more serious, make it clear that you support them.

You should be mindful of the words a person uses to describe themselves and their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Avoid labeling them if you haven't heard them use those labels for themselves.

To stay informed about LGBTQIA+ issues, follow LGBTQIA+ topics in the news and read blog posts and news articles written by LGBTQIA+ people.

Recognize that language evolves and be open to new concepts and ideas. You should look up words you are unfamiliar with.

Learn about pronouns: what they are, why they matter, and how you can be an ally by introducing yourself with your pronouns.

2. Don't Assume and Respect Pronouns

It's important not to make assumptions about people's sexual orientation, gender identity, or pronouns.

Your friends, co-workers, and even housemates might not be straight, and it's not always apparent who identifies as LGBTQIA+.

Additionally, someone's current or past partners don't define their sexuality, and there are many identities beyond just "gay" or "straight"— bisexuals, pansexuals, and queer people exist too!

By avoiding assumptions, you create space for those around you to be their authentic selves and feel safe opening up to you over time.

If you are uncertain of someone's pronouns or labels, it is always better to ask them respectfully.

When meeting new people, make an effort to incorporate inclusive language into your regular conversations, using gender-neutral terms such as 'partner'.

Be mindful of any unintentionally offensive language you may use in your daily conversations.

3. Always Think of Ally as an Actor, Not as a Label

“Ally” should be seen as an action rather than just a label. It's easy to call yourself an ally, but that alone is not enough.

Oppression never takes a break, so to be an effective ally, you need to consistently support LGBTQIA+ rights and defend LGBTQIA+ people against discrimination.

Anti-LGBTQIA+ comments and jokes can be harmful, so as an ally, let your friends, family, and co-workers know that you find them offensive.

It takes every member of society to create true acceptance and respect, Your open and consistent support can set an example for others.

4. Challenge Discrimination and Stereotypes

As an ally, be aware of any biases, stereotypes, or assumptions you may have.

This means being conscious of the jokes you make and the pronouns you use, as well as avoiding assuming someone's partner's sex or gender based on their appearance and behavior.

Biases against the LGBTQIA+ community can be subtle, and even within the community, transphobia and biphobia can exist.

To be a better ally, be open to the possibility of being wrong and willing to work on yourself.

5. Be Mindful of Confidentiality and "Outing."

It's important to respect the choices of LGBTQIA+ individuals when it comes to coming out.

You should never assume that someone is out to everyone just because they have come out to you. It's not acceptable to outsource someone to others without their permission.

If someone comes out to you, it's a good idea to ask them whether they would like you to keep this information private at work.

You should also check whether it's okay to mention your partner or personal life in casual conversation while other colleagues are present.

Remember that respecting someone's privacy is key to building a respectful and harmonious work environment.

Conclusion

To be a good ally for the LGBTQIA+ community, commit to showing understanding, empathy, and active support.

Allies have a crucial role in amplifying marginalized voices and acknowledging the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQIA+ community.

By embodying these values, we can contribute to a more inclusive society where everyone feels accepted, valued, and celebrated for their authentic selves.

FAQs

What is LGBTQIA+?

LGBTQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual, with the plus (+) indicating inclusivity of other sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions that may not be explicitly represented by the initial letters.

What is the meaning of a straight ally?

A straight ally is a person who identifies as heterosexual and supports and advocates for the rights and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community.

What does Ally mean in slang?

The term "ally" is commonly used in informal language to describe someone who actively supports and advocates for a marginalized or oppressed group, even if they do not personally belong to that group.

For instance, if someone is a strong supporter of LGBTQIA+ rights but does not identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, they may be referred to as an "ally".

What are some prevalent misunderstandings concerning the LGBTQIA+ community?

Common misconceptions include the assumption that everyone conforms to traditional gender norms, the belief that being LGBTQIA+ is a matter of choice, and the act of categorizing someone according to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

References

• UCL (2020). Ways you can be a better LGBTQ+ ally. Available at https://www.ucl.ac.uk/students/news/2020/dec/7-ways-you-can-be-better-lgbtq-ally (Accessed 16/02/2024)
• Imperial College London. How to be an LGBTQ+ ally. Available at https://www.imperial.ac.uk/equality/resources/lgbtq-equality/how-to-be-an-lgbtq-ally/ (Accessed 16/02/2024).
• Harvard Business Review (2023). Research: How to Be a Better Ally to the LGBTQ+ Community. Available at https://hbr.org/2023/04/research-how-to-be-a-better-ally-to-the-lgbtq-community. (Accessed 16/02/2024).
• Reach Out (2023). What is an LGBTQIA+ ally, and how can I be a good one? Available at https://au.reachout.com/articles/what-is-an-lgbtqia-ally-and-how-can-i-be-a-good-one (Accessed 16/02/2024).