………………………………………………………………………………………….. How to be a LGBTQ+ ally

Ally LGBTQ+ an be to How

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STUDENT VOICES

He/Him For me, being a good ally is simply about being aware of the LGBT+ community and about making sure that those little, small things that make people feel more accepted/included become part of a normal routine. For example, asking ‘are you seeing anyone/are you dating anyone?’ rather than saying ‘have you got a girlfriend- making no assumptions. Being aware of pronouns etc.”

She/Her “Something I appreciate is not assuming the pronouns of a partner. When people ask, “have you got a boyfriend?” it’s awkward to explain no, and it sets a very heteronormative way forward that makes me feel defensive from the start. Despite knowing they are probably very accepting, a part of me worries from that point forward about coming out to someone who may not be inclusive. Medical professionals have assumed the same and it’s difficult to feel comfortable to speak openly, especially when having conversations about sexual health.”

An ally to the LGBTQ+ community is a heterosexual and cisgender person that actively supports the community and the movement towards equality. He/Him “I don’t think non-queer people realise how powerful their opinion can be in a room. If I raise a point about LGBT+ inclusion or wellbeing, I often get the impression people may think it is me just shoehorning my identity into the situation. When someone who isn’t personally affected by that issue in their day to day lives speaks up on it or backs you up when you speak up on it, the others in the room definitely take more notice. I often voice something in a medical setting because I feel an LGBT+ perspective hasn’t even been considered in that situation, only for that to be met with silence or just awkward looks around you. This can be so crushing; that silence often masks shame and an unspoken disapproval for your identity. Privilege is powerful and the opinion of non-lgbt+ people is often still far more resonant and audible above our own. Yes, that needs to change in due course, but until then, back us up!” An ally should both amplify the voices of individuals within the group and An ally to the LGBTQ+ community is a heterosexual and cisgender person that actively supports the community and the movement towards equality. An ally should both amplify the voices of individuals within the group and individually challenge the behaviour and ideas that continue to oppress and damage the LGBTQ+ community If you want equality, you are already an ally but to be an active ally there is more work to be done

Here’s how you can get started: 1. Check your privilege and learn about the history, oppression and challenges of the LGBTQ+ community 2. Be open minded when listening to others 3. Reflect on our own unconscious biases and prejudices 4. Don’t assume people are straight and cisgender, start to think outside the heteronormative world we live in 5. Language matters – get confident with the right language when talking with LGBTQ+ people 6. Call out the problematic behaviour and language when it is used and educate others on why it isn’t acceptable 7. Know that you will sometimes make mistakes and take responsibility when you do 8. Turn your allyship into an action rather than a label by doing the work