Allyship is actively supporting and advocating for individuals or communities who face systemic oppression or discrimination

  • Allies want to learn. Allies are people who recognize they don’t know all that can be known on LGBTQ+ issues or about all the experiences of people who are LGBTQ+, but they want to understand more.

    Allies address their barriers. They may have to grapple with some roadblocks to being openly and actively supportive of people who are LGBTQ+, and they’re willing to take on the challenge.

  • Allies Listen and Learn

    Listen to what the community needs are, and learn how you can help. Educate yourself on LGBTQIA+ issues, language, pronouns, etc.

  • ALLIES SPEAK UP

    Be vocal if you hear hate. Identify yourself as an ally. Help educate others, if possible.

  • ALLIES TAKE ACTION

    Vote for LGBTQIA+ positive candidates. Support LGBTQIA+ businesses. Donate. Go to a pride parade. Join Free Mom hugs, PFLAG, or other ally organizations. Join protests.

  • GET EDUCATED

    Go online. Ask questions. Do some research. Reach out to other allies who might have grappled with the same challenge. Have LGBTQ+ friends? You can also ask for their help. Just be aware that not everyone is comfortable speaking about some issues, their personal experiences, or being your go-to resource. So be willing to accept “no” as an answer, and have a backup plan for finding what you need. (You know, a trusted resource. Like straightforequality.org.)

  • SPEAK UP

    Allies often have an opportunity to address situations that others feel they cannot. When you intervene, you’re educating people around you, and demonstrate that you are supportive of equality and inclusion for all. Your voice sends a powerful message that you’re advocating for your LGBTQ+ friends, family, classmates, and colleagues because you care about how these jokes and comments make people feel, regardless of intent.

ACTIONABLE STEPS TO BEING AN ALLY

Here are some easy ways to demonstrate support that fit naturally into most people’s lives:

**Do not Vote for anyone who is anti-LGBTQIA+**

Create social settings that bring your straight, cisgender and LGBTQ+ friends and family together.

Make sure that you include the partners of your LGBTQ+ loved ones in events and activities, just as you would any other friend’s spouse or significant other.

Add your pronouns to your email signature or share your pronouns when introducing yourself to new friends or colleagues. For guidance on using pronouns, view HRC’s Pronouns 101 resource.

If you hear an anti-LGBTQ+ comment or joke, speak up and explain why such comments or jokes are harmful and offensive.

Integrate inclusive language into your regular conversations, professional interactions and/or spiritual life.

Put a supportive symbol or sign in your office or home, or on your vehicle. For example, you could wear an LGBTQ+ ally button, add a rainbow sticker on your name badge at work, or put the Human Rights Campaign equal sign sticker on your car.

Support LGBTQIA+ businesses, not those who openly hate (Chick-fil-A is not THAT good).

Post a message in support of LGBTQ+ issues on social media.

Get involved with pro-LGBTQ+ groups and campaigns and contact your elected officials about LGBTQ+ rights.

Join pro-LGBTQ+ causes or groups on social media and through other social networking opportunities, such as FREE MOM HUGS www.freemomhugs.org

Visit the website for PFLAG (formerly known as Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), a national organization that unites parents, families and allies with people who are LGBTQ+. You can go to pflag.org for information on local meetings and PFLAG public education programs across the country.  (HRC)