By Aidan Feskorn and Sofia Braz
The word ”Ally” is used within the LGBTQ+ community to refer to someone that doesn’t identify as a part of the community but fully supports it and the movement for their rights.
However, what is LGBTQ+? It is an acronym that captures diversity in attraction and gender identity, standing for “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/questioning, and more(+)”. Someone may identify as “queer” if their attraction or gender is out of mainstream.
Learning from your mistakes is something implemented in your mind since childhood no matter your age (age doesn't change how respectful you should be to things you don't understand!), reacting badly to your mistakes is hurtful to yourself and others. If you get pronouns wrong or use the wrong name (called “deadnaming”), do not excessively bring it up as if you were using it for attention, simply apologize once and correct yourself, then move on.
When a person feels enough trust in you to come out as LGBTQ+, it is essential that you make them feel comfortable and that it was right to come out to you. Coming out is a hard experience for anyone, whether they were raised in a household of unaccepting beliefs or one of acceptance. Giving someone the comfort they need when they come out (saying “I appreciate your honesty” or “thank you for trusting me with this”, and asking them if there’s anything they would prefer to be called name wise or if they have different pronouns), as showing honesty and respect will make it a lot easier on the person who trusted you with this personal information.
If someone doesn’t wish to come out, DO NOT force them to, this is called “outing” and is not only disrespectful, but could also be harmful as they could be in a situation where it is not safe to come out and could potentially get forced out of their house. 65% of LGBTQ youth that have experienced homelessness lived in groups or foster care, 39% of which saying they were kicked out of their homes due to sexual orientation or gender identity (Source).
Learning about the LGBTQ+ community is a vital first step in becoming an ally. Resources are linked at the bottom to help with learning more about the community and what to do to be helpful, respectful, and inclusive. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are human beings too, and deserve to be treated with the same respect as everyone.
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