So what is an Ally
An ally is someone who stands up for, supports and encourages the people around them. It’s a term that gets used a lot in the LGBTQIA+ community.
In this case it refers to someone who is heterosexual and/or cisgender, but who tries to make the world a better place for people who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Being an ally means:
- supporting equal rights for everyone – regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender or religion
- doing what you can to call out discrimination and to fight for equality
- trying to make the world a better place for anyone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ or is marginalised
So, how can you be a good ally?
- Quiet support - being there and having the other persons back
- Be empathetic - “walk in the other persons shoes 👠 “
- Calling out homophobia
- Take care of the people in your life who need support - be there for them
- Be aware of the space you take up - let others talk
- Intersectuonality - be aware of other minorities or others who may need you as an ally - when you stand up for one marginalised group - you stand up for all
- It’s the little things that can make a huge difference
As my friend Samantha Webster says
Diversity is a fact
Equity is a pact
Inclusion is the Act
What action are you taking?