A Guide to Allyship
How to be an ally?
As we approach the end of June, the end of Pride Month and the rainbow-coloured marking slowly begins to disappear, having an honest conversation around allyship is so important. So many companies during June engage in rainbow-washing, an advertising ploy to signify LGBTQIA+ support without putting any tangible effort into helping this community throughout any other time of the year. Being an ally doesn’t just mean posting a rainbow up in the month of June, it means showing up for the LGBTQIA+ community all year round. It means calling out your friends when they say something homophobic and correcting your dad when he misgenders someone. Allyship involves active work, it means being vocal and showing support to those who may identify differently from you.
What does the word ally mean?
Allyship means the action of working to end oppression through the support of, and as an advocate with and for, a group other than one’s own. In the case of Pride, it means advocating for equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Why do we need allies?
People of the LGBTQIA+ community still face immense discrimination and marginalisation. By being an ally, you can use your position to counter society’s judgement and give support to marginalised groups. Standing as an ally means you are fighting for a better future for all, a future free of discrimination and judgement, a future where everyone feels free and safe to be themselves.
Being an ally means …
Listening to LGBTQIA+ people and their needs. It involves supporting them to feel safe, both emotionally and physically.
Amplifying the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community. Ways in which you can do this are by sharing resources created by LGBTQIA+ people and standing up against discrimination when you see it.
Actively working to understand, learn more and emphasise. There are so many incredible resources out there, so go educate yourself. Learn about the history, the different sexual orientations and gender identities.
Educate the people around you on how to be sensitive, respectful, and inclusive. Not only is it important to educate yourself, but it is important to educate those around you. This can include your family, friends, and co-workers!
Supporting LGBTQIA+ creators, businesses and if possible, donating to causes that are working towards ending the stigma.
Ask people their pronouns. And yes, even when it is ‘obvious’ it is still important to ask. You should never assume someone's identity, so take the extra minute and ask!
Remember that pride does not end on the 1st of July. Keep donating, signing equality petitions, advocating for equal rights, and supporting the LGBTQIA+ communities. The fight for equality does not suddenly end once June is over, so keep using your voice and your privilege for good.
By Alexis Pallister
Sources:
https://au.reachout.com/articles/what-is-an-lgbtqia-ally-and-how-can-i-be-a-good-one
https://people.com/human-interest/pride-month-explained-pride-month-facts/
https://about.unimelb.edu.au/news-resources/pride-in-action-ally-network/how-to-be-a-good-LGBTIQA-ally