6 Simple Ways You Can Become An Amazing LGBTQ+ Ally
Start writing a post
Nature Animals

6 Simple Ways You Can Become An Amazing LGBTQ+ Ally

When it comes to support, even the little things count.

Arianna Lynne
Aug 06, 2018
LGBTQ+ at Odyssey
132
6 Simple Ways You Can Become An Amazing LGBTQ+ Ally
images.pexels.com

You don't have identify with the LGBTQ+ community to be an ally. You can be as straight as a washboard and still show support for the community. The only prerequisite is that you're a compassionate human being that believes in equality. That being said, you don't need to do something drastic or extreme to become an advocate. You can do simple things while creating a big impact.

1. Listen to our problems and concerns.

I don't mean just hear our problems; actually listen and try to understand where we are coming from. It's easy to ignore an issue when it is assumed that the issue requires a simple fix. Take marriage equality for example. Just let same-sex marriages happen. Easy, right? No. We had to wait until 2015 for same-sex marriage to be legal nationwide. Keeping up to date with current issues and voicing opinions will help the LGBTQ+ community be heard during rallies, protests, and elections.

2. Take some time to learn about the diversity of identity and sexuality.

We are all unique individuals, and we all express ourselves in different ways. The LGBTQ+ community isn't just a group of people with random letters thrown together to create an edgy name for the group. Sometimes the idea that there are identities and sexualities can be confusing or overwhelming, but a true advocate does not defend certain groups while ignoring the rest. Taking the time to understand the community and the diversity within it makes you a stronger ally.

3. Stand up against the hate.

Some bullies are direct and unashamed to be hostile face to face, while some are indirect and like to make fun of others behind their back. Either way, standing up to the intolerance shows bullies that certain words and actions are not okay. Don't be afraid to shut down statements and jokes that are disrespectful to the LGBTQ+ community. Hate arises from ignorance. Setting the record straight and fighting back with the truth is more effective than ignoring the issue. In fact, showing that you do not approve of certain statements and actions can be effective in changing people's attitudes.

4. Get involved with your local LGBTQ+ groups.

Being open about your support towards the LGBTQ+ community means more than you think. It's more than being a part of an event; it's about your willingness to show you support the community in public. Showing solidarity through involvement sends a strong message to the local community while supporting the LGBTQ+ community at the same time.

5. Be there for the LGBTQ+ people in your life.

If you want to be an ally, it's likely because a family member or friend identifies with the community. (If not, kudos to you for being a kind, loving person.) It would be strange to advocate for the entire community but shut out members of the community in your personal circles. Lend an ear to someone having a bad day. Comfort someone that is suffering. Celebrate their successes with them. Treat them as you would anyone else.

6. Prepare yourself.

Being an ally means exposing yourself to potential hate despite not personally identifying with the group. The sad truth is that assumptions are made about people based on who they associate with. Staying strong and unwavering in your support helps change things one day at a time.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Arts Entertainment

Epic Creation Myths: Norse Origins Unveiled

What happened in the beginning, and how the heavens were set in motion.

George Mason University
2530
The Norse Creation Myth

Now, I have the everlasting joy of explaining the Norse creation myth. To be honest, it can be a bit kooky, so talking about it is always fun. The entire cosmos is included in this creation myth, not just the earth but the sun and the moon as well. This will be a short retelling, a summary of the creation myth, somewhat like I did with Hermod's ride to Hel.

Keep Reading...Show less
myths
Entertainment

25 Throwback Songs You Forgot About

But you know you still know every word.

Eastern Michigan University
138981
Old school ghetto blaster sat on the floor
8tracks radio

We all scroll through the radio stations in the car every once in a while, whether its because we lost signal to our favorite one or we are just bored with the same ol' songs every day. You know when you're going through and you hear a song where you're just like "I forgot this existed!" and before you know it, you're singing every word? Yeah, me too. Like, 95% of the time. If you're like me and LOVE some good throwback music, here's a list of songs from every genre that have gotten lost in time, but never truly forgotten.

Keep Reading...Show less
throwback songs
Featured

27 Hidden Joys

Appreciation for some of life's most discredited pleasures.

Stonehill College
34241
Best Things in Life
Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash

Life is full of many wonderful pleasures that many of us, like myself, often forget about. And it's important to recognize that even on bad days, good things still happen. Focusing on these positive aspects of our day-to-day lives can really change a person's perspective. So in thinking about the little things that make so many of us happy, I've here's a list of some of the best things that often go unrecognized and deserve more appreciation:

Keep Reading...Show less
life
Lifestyle

Cool Off with These 8 Beers!

Cool Off with These 8 Beers!

North Carolina State University
7684
beer on the beach

Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:

Keep Reading...Show less
beer
Featured

7 Reasons SoCal Rocks!

75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?

Texas Christian University
6169
woman in black and white long sleeve shirt carrying girl in red jacket in Venice beach
Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash

SoCal summers are the best summers by far, and honestly, no argument is needed. But, if you aren't sure why SoCal summers are the best, here are 7 reasons why!

Keep Reading...Show less
summer

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments