Becoming an Inclusive Ally: Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community

We live in a big and diverse world. In such a place that is increasingly recognizing and celebrating diversity, it is important for us to be aware and supportive.

Being inclusive is more important than ever. We can no longer shy away from educating ourselves, and standing up for what is right.

What it means to be an ally

Being inclusive in terms of the LGBTQ+ community means to actively support and stand in solidarity with them. To become an ally means to recognize the struggles and advocate for the rights of the community whether we’re queer or not. As we say, pride is for everyone.

While the fight for basic civil rights, human rights and merely existing still continues, we can become strong allies. Here’s how:

Educate ourselves

The first step to be an advocate for any cause is to learn about it as much as possible. There are a lot of resources available. Take the initiative to learn about different sexual orientations, gender identities, and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Familiarize yourself with appropriate terminology and language, as well as the history and milestones of the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Something as simple as understanding what pronouns are and use them correctly in our bios shows solidarity.

Inclusive language

Be it at home, in your friends circle, in public, at work or even the content you create online, using conscious and inclusive language. It has the power to include or exclude people. By using inclusive language, we show acceptance and create a warm, welcoming environment for all, respecting everyone’s gender identity and expression.

Speak up against discrimination

Being an ally means actively challenging and combating discrimination whenever we see it. We should speak up against homophobic, transphobic, or derogatory remarks or jokes and not be a silent spectator. By being silent we become part of the problem. Addressing discrimination is important even if it means calling out people close to home. We should use our privileges, our platform, our voice to engage in conversations that promote understanding and challenge harmful stereotypes.

Support fellow allies

This includes organizations, advocates for the cause, people from the community itself speaking up, events, workshops and parades held for the cause, etc. Support can be in the form of donation, shout outs, educating others, inviting others to join in, and so on. By actively supporting in these spaces, we not only show our support but also contribute to the visibility and empowerment of the LGBTQ+ community.

Listen, acknowledge and validate

What could be a better way to ally than this? Nobody needs judgement. Showing empathy, validating their feelings, and avoiding assumptions gives people room to be themselves without fear. By providing a non-judgmental space for them to express themselves, we show respect and acceptance of their identities.

Wrapping up

Everyone’s journey is unique, and being a compassionate listener, someone who takes the time to learn, grow and adopt a progressive mindset free of biases is a powerful way to be an LGBTQ+ ally. Allyship is a journey of growth and learning, one that needs ongoing commitment.

Together, as allies, we can create a world that embraces and celebrates the diversity of all regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or anything at all for that matter!