How to be an Ally
- moranbahrainbowcol
- Apr 14, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: May 17, 2022
On the back of Transgender Visibility Day which we celebrated on the 31st March, this month we wanted to focus on what it means to be an ally and provide some tips with how you can support someone inside the rainbow community.
What does it mean to be ally?
An ally is someone that supports equality for all, stands up against the discrimination of LGBTQ+ people, and supports the social and cultural movements of the rainbow community.
Although allies are typically straight or cisgender-heterosexual identifying people, it’s important that people within the rainbow community are also allies to each other.
Below are some tips on what you can do to be an ally for people in your rainbow community.
Ask people for their preferred names and pronouns
Although this seems like such a small gesture, asking these two questions can be very affirming particularly for people that might be gender diverse or fluid. A person’s gender identity isn’t based on their appearance and using their preferred name and pronouns show that you are care about who they are as a person.
You can find out more about pronouns through this helpful training series 'Pronouns 101' hosted by ACON. www.pridetraining.org.au/pages/pronoun-page
Wear/display a token from the LGBTQ+ flags or colours
Whether it’s in the window of a local shop, on the back of a car or even on a person’s clothing, this symbol sends the message to LGBTQ+ people that this is a safe space or person to be around. There are so many instances where LGBTQ+ people have to think “will I be harassed or discriminated against if I walk into this space?”, seeing a symbol that represents us give us further assurance. This can also be extended to sharing rainbow positive content on your social media.
Our friends at Minus18 are your one stop shop for all LGBTQ merchandise with 100% of the profits supporting LGBTQIA+ youth around Australia.
Take time to find out about issues and history related to LGBTQ+ people
Being an ally includes equipping yourself with the knowledge of not only current issues within the rainbow community but also the history of social and political movements. This shows that you care about what has affected LGBT+ people and supports their feelings on topics. It also means that when you stand up against discrimination, it will show you’ve done your homework.
You can find out more about the current issues that LGBTQ+ people face by following Equality Australia and LGBTIQ+ Health Australia on social media.
The Australian Queer Archives has a 'History Bites' section which provides bite-sized chunks of queer history and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras has a fantastic interactive timeline detailing the history of the event and how it came to be the success it is today.
Support LGBTQ+ events and organisations
Events such as Mardi Gras or Pride are so much fun for everyone and it’s great to see so many allies attend these events. However, it’s also important to attend the smaller events or workshops as these are often events that assist groups or organisations in continuing to run. By supporting grassroots groups, you are helping to ensure that people within the rainbow community are receiving the help and assistance they require.
There are many helpful organisations for LGBTQ+ people including QLife which provides an online directory and referral service. They have a hotline 1800 184 527 which can be accessed anonymously and a web chat service that runs from 3pm - midnight every day.
BlaQ is a support organisation for LGBTQ+ First Nations and Torres Strait Islander people. "We aim to foster pathways that provide informed and authentic representation, that positively impacts the social and emotional wellbeing of our people."
Thank you for joining us for another issue of the Rainbow Connection. Our articles are published through the 4RFM community magazine and are available via physical print and digital download.
Follow us @moranbahrainbowcollective to keep up-to-date with all news and events.
Got a topic you would like us to write about?
Email us at moranbahrainbowcollective@gmail.com
Comments