How to be a 2SLGBTQ+ Ally

May 25, 2023

(Image credit: lgbtq-allyship on RedBubble)

Hello, and welcome to the Rainbow Salad blog! I am Joy, the Rainbow Salad Coordinator at Moyo. I will be using this blog space to post 2SLGBTQ+ related content. Today we’re tackling what allyship is, and how you can become a better ally.

Allyship is supporting members of the LGBTQ+ community. Queer people can also be allies. For example, if you identity as gay and cis, you can be an ally to trans people.

Ways you can demonstrate allyship in every day life are:

  • Introduce yourself with your pronouns and ask others for their pronouns. Respect and use other people’s preferred pronouns. If you mess up, simply correct yourself and move forward. Do not make a show of apologizing, as then it becomes the other person’s responsibility to reassure you
  • A willingness to learn Is very important. If you come across members of the community whose identity you were not aware of, ask and learn instead of reacting with knee-jerk refusal
  • Research and learn more about the LGBTQ+ community. If you are unaware and uneducated on what the community is, that’s okay! Everyone needs to start somewhere. There are tons of resources to teach you more about LGBTQ+ people (such as this blog)
  • Do not make anti-LGBTQ jokes. Jokes can be harmful to your loved ones, or strangers, who are members of the community

Other ways you can be an ally are:

  • Donate to LGBTQ+ charities
  • Shop at LGBTQ+ owned businesses
  • Boycott businesses that donate to homophobic causes, or support homophobic political candidates

Being an ally is not simply about the actions you perform, but also about confronting your own biases. Consume literature and media created by LGBTQ+ people. Reflect how you have previously interacted with queer people. For example, have you fallen into heteronormativity (the assumption that everyone is heterosexual)? Reflecting on your own biases is an uncomfortable process. However, it is crucial to your development as an ally and as a more accepting person. Reflect how you have benefited from your privileges. If you are cis, how have you been treated in society compared to trans people? If you are straight, how has heteronormativity benefited you? Do you have any questions, comments, or wish to discuss anything above with me? Comment below and let’s engage in conversation.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Land
We acknowledge the land we gather on in Peel Region is on the Treaty Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, and the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, Huron, and Wendat. We also acknowledge the many First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other global Indigenous people who now call Peel Region their home. As an organization we strive to learn as much as we educate. As such we welcome all perspectives and feedback – please contact us at justins@moyohcs.ca with any feedback or suggestions. Thank you.
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