Being a Better When we don the pride flag every June for, possibly, in this case, a virtual celebration of Pride Month, we are taking time to reflect on how much society has progressed in accepting and respecting people from all sexual orientations and gender identities. But also, it is a sobering reminder of how much more work we still need to do. In 2019, it was reported by the UK government that over two thirds of people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and took part in this survey stated that they have not held hands with a partner because they were wary of people’s response. For straight people, holding hands is never questioned by society. We as straight people need to place ourselves under a microscope to examine our privileges as we sidestep this continuously. As straight people make statements on social media proclaiming support for the LGBTQIA+ community, how much time do we really take to ponder our privilege as a straight person. How much do you think about your alliance with people who identify as LGBTQIA+? With privilege, comes power. With power, we can be strong allies to communities – if we are needed. Know when to use your voice to speak out against discrimination of any sort, whether it is a passing remark or a blatant attack on someone, and know when you are interrupting. Researching and learning about different communities is one of many ways to understand what communities are going through and why some people may feel they cannot announce their love for someone in public, but you can. Because of the internet, resources have never been so accessible as they are now: for a more local insight, look at LGBT Youth Scotland to explore the incredible support they offer to LGBTQ youth. They are also open to volunteers for different types of roles and are open 34
for donations. Why not ad Habib’s We Have Always Been Queer Muslim Memoir to you list as a starter for your lea you want to find something Disclosure offers an excellen into the portrayal of transgend in the media. These suggestion prescriptive, but they can e you to integrate more educat various communities in your life.
Listen to people. Listening to s experiences including their their thoughts and their feelin as important as a dialogue. when you listen, your connec someone strengthens and t increases. You can learn to stop of the ‘perfect’ thing to say, an learn to just be there for if your friend, work colleagu member or anyone is strugglin misfortune or sailing through b
It is important to remember person that identifies as LQ has a unique experience, w be affected by their ethnicity socio-economic background, a Within the community, peo different experiences. Resp experiences. I hope this is only to your learning journey as you to improve as an ally.
By Nuha Zulkernain. Nuha is a student in Edinburgh. She grad Edinburgh Napier with a degre literature in 2020. She volunteer clusivity Officer for the SYP Sco mittee 2021/2022 and enjoys books by marginalised writers o to expand the literary space. reading dystopian fiction, writin ries, and making playlists for any
