The Power of Allyship: Tips & Strategies for How to Be an Ally for the LGBTQ+ Community

As society moves towards full acceptance of LGBTQ+ people, it has become increasingly important for individuals to become allies in the fight for equality. Allyship is not just a buzzword, but rather an act of support, empowerment, and solidarity. It involves standing up for people and supporting them in their pursuit of inclusion and equality, while providing them with a safe and supportive space.

Allyship requires constant learning and is an ongoing process. It involves showing open support for fair and equal treatment, even when it feels difficult or uncomfortable. Being an ally every day for those around you, regardless of the environment, is crucial. By working to better understand the struggles and oppression that others may face, you position yourself to actively make a change. By standing up for the fair and equal treatment of people who are different from you, you help create a safer space and support others in gaining access to the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. This is one of the most courageous and inspiring things you can do.

Allyship for LGBTQ+ people can be complex, but it is achievable. Allies can be some of the most effective and powerful voices for LGBTQ+ people, critical to the advancement of equal rights and amplifying non-discrimination. By advocating for LGBTQ+ people, you ensure their visibility and help to facilitate an environment where they can feel comfortable being who they are without fear of harm, discrimination, judgement or persecution. This visibility further contributes to LGBTQ+ people feeling seen, valued and respected, and can ultimately lead to more rights and protections. Openly showing support signals to others that you are an ally and that the space is safe.

Allies have always been essential to the social justice movement. It is important for allies to demonstrate that LGBTQ+ people are not alone as they work to create a better world for themselves and future generations. Allies can also support them by taking a stand in places where it might not seem particularly safe for them to be out or visible.

At a time when the rights of queer people across the world are increasingly under threat, solidarity and community have never been more important. It is essential to support your queer friends and family members because they need you. Saying you’re an ally is not enough; you should show up and support others through action. Living in a world that often does not accept them can be incredibly difficult, and having a supportive network can make all the difference. Being an ally means being there for your loved ones, listening to their experiences, and standing up for them when they need it.

Need help becoming a better ally? Here are three tips, that we call ALL:

• A- Advocate

To be an ally actions and words must align. Use your platform to advocate for inclusivity and equal rights. Speak up and call out inappropriate behaviours such as microaggressions, banter and disparaging comments; let them know that their comments are hurtful and unacceptable. Show up for your queer friends and family members, whether that means attending Pride events, rallies, or just being there for them when they need it. 

• L – Learn

It is important to educate yourself about the LGBTQ+ community. Learn about the issues they face, the language they use, and the barriers they confront. Use correct pronouns & inclusive language. As an ally, you may not be able to fully comprehend their lived experiences, but educating yourself can help you gain some perspective. Be mindful of how your actions may affect LGBTQ+ people, especially someone you may love. This will enable you to better understand their struggles and challenges and to identify ways in which you can provide support.

• L – Listen

It’s important to listen to your LGBTQ+ friends and family and ask about their experiences. Be there for them when they need support. You can also find out what the community needs from you as an ally. Do they need you to support them by calling for policy changes or challenging behaviour?

Being an ally is a crucial element of supporting the LGBTQ+ community. By standing up for LGBTQ+ individuals, we can help create a more accepting and equitable society. It’s important to educate ourselves, speak up when we see injustice, listen to the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, use our privilege to amplify their voices, and show support for our queer friends and family members. When we work together as allies, we create a stronger and more equitable society for everyone.