Allyship is “an active, consistent, and arduous practice of unlearning and re-evaluation, in which a person in a position of privilege and power seeks to operate in solidarity with a marginalized group.”
We have put together an allyship acronym to help you become a better ally if you do not identify as LGBTQI+ and want to support these marginalised groups.
Firstly, who are LGBTQI+ people?
Anyone who identifies as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Pansexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and the plus means anyone else who is not cis (identifies as the gender of the sex they were born) and straight (only attracted to the opposite sex). It is important to note you can also identify as a straight-queer person, because you may have, for example, an intersex condition, identify as a Woman and be attracted to solely Men. Just as gender and sex is not binary, being LGBTQI+ is not binary and if you are Queer, you are Queer enough.
Every person in every group within the LGBTQI+ community experiences different levels of oppression, love, hate, support, equality and homophobia. An LGBTQ+ person deserves equality, respect, safety and human rights without judgement, hate or oppression.
So, what are a few things you can do to be a good ally?
Amplify- Share the voices of LGBTQI+ people
Learn as much as you can about LGBTQI+ history, equality, oppression and global rights.
Love - spread love to LGBTQI+ people, offer support, respect their relationships
Youth - share what you know with the youth in your life, we need more young LGBTQI+ allies
Spread- spread your pride in being an ally everywhere you go, spread awareness and your learning
Hear - Listen to LGBTQI+ people, they will tell you what they want and need from you.
Include- Always include people in your language, your messages and in your everyday conversations and life. Inclusivity can save lives.
Pronouns- Normalise pronouns amongst your peers, encourage people to use them and not assume them.
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