As the world becomes more accepting of diverse identities and seems to move backward in other parts of the world, it’s crucial to understand how to support the LGBTQ+ community. Being an LGBTQ+ ally means standing up for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and working to create a more inclusive and accepting society. Whether one describes oneself as LGBTQ+ or not, every person has their own journey in understanding what it means to support the queer community. In this Couple of Men blog post, we’ll provide you with tips on how to be a good LGBTQ+ ally, including how to educate yourself and others, be visible in your support, and challenge your own biases and assumptions.
Being an LGBTQ+ Ally – before, during & after Pride
We’ll also define key terms and concepts related to LGBTQ+ issues, such as allyship and queer. By being a visible ally, you can help create a more welcoming and safe environment for LGBTQ+ people. It’s important to remember that being an ally is an ongoing process, and it requires a willingness to learn, grow, and take action. Our 7 Tips for How to Be a Good LGBTQ+ Ally:
What is an Ally?
An ally is a person who supports and advocates for a marginalized group, in this case, the LGBTQ+ community. Being an ally means standing up for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and working to create a more inclusive and accepting society.
What is the LGBTQ+ Community?
The LGBTQ+ community is a group of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning. This community has been historically marginalized and discriminated against in a heteronormative society.
#1 Educate yourself and others
Take the time to learn about our experiences as LGBTQ+ people and the issues we face in our everyday lives. That includes trained behavior to avoid confrontation and aggression toward us. This can involve reading articles, watching videos, and following advocates on social media. By educating yourself, you can better understand how to be an effective ally. You can also share this information with others and help foster a culture of learning and understanding.
Also interesting to read: List of Top LGBTQ+ Activists >
#2 Be visible in your support
Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community by attending events and rallies, wearing rainbow colors, and displaying LGBTQ+ symbols. And do not shy away from waving one of the Pride flags. This can help create a more inclusive environment for everyone. Or, as we like to put it: Show us your Pride.
#3 Challenge your own biases and assumptions
It’s important to recognize and confront any biases or assumptions you may have about LGBTQ+ people like us. This can involve thinking about homophobic jokes, putting your pronouns in your email, and stopping making assumptions about someone’s gender or sexuality based on their appearance. Bullying and making fun of someone is never ok, even as a joke. We all must stand up for respect and fight against inappropriate behavior.
#4 Listen
Listen to the experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ+ people. Be open to learning and growing, and be willing to have difficult conversations. Because it is not about you as a non-LGBTQ+ person, it is about us queer people and about how we feel, how we experience the world, and how we try to navigate in a heteronormative society. For many LGBTQ+ people, their coming out is a story full or pain, disappointments, and vulnerability. So, thanks for listening!
Also interesting to read: All about the History of Pride >
#5 Think of ‘ally’ as an action rather than a label
Being an LGBTQ+ ally is more than just calling yourself one. It’s about taking action to support LGBTQ+ rights and defend gay, lesbian, bi, trans, intersex, and all other LGBTQ+ people in our community against discrimination. This means being consistent in your support and challenging any biases or assumptions you may have, or you may face in your everyday life.
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#6 Be mindful of confidentiality and privacy
Respect the privacy of LGBTQ+ people and be mindful of who they are out to. Don’t out someone without their permission. That includes taking photos and selfies in so-called safe spaces such as gay bars, queer clubs, or during LGBTQ+ events. You never know who is in a picture – and who looks at them. Always ask for permission when taking photos. Some locations have already introduced phone/camera-free events to protect queer folks.
Also interesting to read: List of Top Gay & LGBTQ+ Bloggers >
#7 Step back and center the voices of LGBTQ+ people
When taking action to support LGBTQ+ people, it’s important to recognize your own privilege and step back when necessary to center the voices of those who are directly impacted. This means listening to the experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ+ people and working to amplify their voices. However, that does not mean you are not welcome to participate in a Pride event.
Are you an LGBTQ+ Person? Be the ally you want others to be for you!
Yes, even as an LGBTQ+ person, we can and must become good LGBTQ+ allies – leading by example, so to speak. Because racism, envy, and aggression towards underrepresented groups who are part of the LGBTQ+ community are omnipresent in our community. Unfortunately, issues with religions, gender identities, and transphobia are also part of the equation. But if we become aware of our privileges and evaluate and rethink our behaviors, we can be the change we want our allies to be. After all, we are always stronger together. Don’t you think?
And now, it is time for you to become a good LGBTQ+ ally
Being a good LGBTQ+ ally is an ongoing process that requires a willingness to learn, grow, and take action. By following these tips, you can become a more effective ally and help create a more inclusive and accepting society for all.
As you travel the world, it’s essential to remember that LGBTQ+ people face unique challenges and discrimination in different parts of the world. So, being a good ally can help create a more welcoming and safe environment for LGBTQ+ people and queer travelers alike.
Do not assume! Do not judge! Do not look away!
Do ask! Do listen! Do stand by our side!
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Would you like to learn more about us gay travel bloggers and experience our queer adventures with us? Then stay tuned and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram! See you in Utrecht, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, or on one of our next Gay Pride trips worldwide!
Karl & Daan.