Allyship 101: The Do's and Don'ts of Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community
It’s no secret that the LGBTQIA+ community often comes under fire. Even in the 21st century, homophobia runs rampant, and those in the queer community often aren’t given the same respect or needs that straight individuals are used to.
However, because more people are coming forward to speak their truth, the community is growing. You might even know someone who identifies as LGBTQIA+. They’re still the same friend or family member they’ve always been, and it’s important to recognize that and remember how much you care for them, not just because of who they love or how they identify.
Even if you don’t personally know someone within the community, it’s clear that it needs support. Allies are essential for the safety, well-being, respect, and growth of the LGBTQIA+ community. There are plenty of things you can do to offer your support, and some things you should avoid doing that could provide more harm than good.
Do: Educate Yourself
One of the best things you can do to support the LGBTQIA+ community is simply to learn more about it.
Start by doing your research online. There’s endless information available about the community and the struggles a queer person might face on a regular basis. You can also find resources to support LGBTQIA+ individuals both locally and globally.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your loved ones in the community, too. They’ll be able to give you more personal information about their lives, how they feel, and the difficulties they’re regularly met with. Chances are, they’ll appreciate you reaching out and wanting to learn more. Sometimes, simply being there for someone and allowing them to share their emotions and experiences can make a big difference.
Don’t: Make Assumptions
The LGBTQIA+ community has been stereotyped and stigmatized beyond belief. You’ve undoubtedly heard some of these stereotypes before, and even if you have no proof of them, false information can be hard to ignore.
Don’t assume that every queer person has the same ideas, goals, or desires. Don’t assume they “talk” a certain way or have very specific political or religious views. Remember, they are still people with individual ideas. Putting everyone into a box of mass generalizations will only cloud how you see the community and will cause you to make assumptions about individuals before even getting to know them.
Do: Be a Personal Support System
It can be a struggle for someone to come out, especially if they know they won’t have much support from friends or family. You can do your part by making sure your queer friends have someone to lean on.
Provide a listening ear, and let the people you know within the community understand that you’re there for them and want to provide your support. Again, simply being there can go a long way, but it can also help to empower those individuals and help them realize that they don’t have to hide anymore.
Do: Take Action
Talking, listening, and learning are all important aspects of being a good ally. However, don’t allow yourself to get comfortable and become complacent with these things. Take action in whatever way possible. That could include attending rallies, joining organizations, or working with local, state, or federal government to ensure the queer community has the rights and respect it deserves.
Being a good ally requires public support. The more people who speak up on behalf of the community, the easier it will be for stigmas and stereotypes to start weakening.
If you’re still not sure how to support the LGTBQIA+ community, talk to someone who is in it. Start gathering information now, so you can feel empowered by what you learn to take action and help those who need it most. Reach out to learn more about LGBTQ counseling and how it can help you.
