How to be an LGBTQ Ally

LGBTQ
LGBTQ.

As Pride month ends, we are going back to companies removing rainbows from their packaging and websites. Soon the conversation around LGBTQ plus voices will stifle, and we will return to ‘normalcy ‘. Pride month is a celebration of the LGBTQ community. It is a form of representation of people and their identities. Pride is necessary to highlight their voices, their experiences and opinions.

To say LGBTQ community people experience the world differently would be an understatement. As of now, only 29 countries have legalised same-sex marriages. In addition, same-sex relationships got banned or are a criminal offence in over 70 nations. In India, the court ruled against the petition of same-sex marriage, stating it goes against Hindu religious sentiments.

The year is 2021. being against the LGBTQ community doesn’t look cute. So here’s how you can become a better ally of the community.

Who is an ally?

An ally is a person that approaches the LGBTQ community with no pre-set prejudices and an open mind. Concerning the community, and doesn’t invalidate their experiences.

Do I have to participate in Pride rallies to become an ally?

No, that isn’t necessary. An ally doesn’t need to be at all rallies or be highly vocal. However, it is required to show your support to your friends and family members. Make sure you’re a person your friends can trust and reach out to when they need you. Engage in these conversations to create a more progressive society for all individuals.

How can you be a better ally?

Educate yourself and your community

It is essential to understand why Pride month is so significant. Listen to LGBTQ people’s stories. Have a positive approach and make the conversation about them. Understand that you both perceive the world differently, and you have certain privileges that they don’t. Do not invalidate their struggles either with their identity or with others. Make sure your friends and family feel comfortable in approaching you.

Understanding pronouns

Most commonly in the English language, they are used to referring to a person. For gender fluid, non-binary or gender non conforming individuals, these pronouns don’t always fit. Using wrong pronouns for a person can cause anxiety or stress to them. On the other hand, it doesn’t take much to use the right words for a person. Create safe spaces for using the proper pronouns, let people know yours to show your support and create a conversation where they can express themselves rightly.

Choose your words

With the amount of progress the LGBTQ community has made in recent years, we still lack proper knowledge and education. Schools and colleges don’t do enough to promote LGBTQ rights or conversations. Remember to correct your language. Unlearning is just as important as learning. Using derogatory terms such as ‘that’s gay’ or ‘you sound gay’ are signs of an insensitive narrow-minded person. Don’t try to justify yourself, and if someone says your language is hurtful to their community, you must take full accountability and learn from such remarks.

Only in 2021 was gender therapy banned in India. Yet, suicidal rates for LGBTQ teenagers are higher than ever. In addition, more than 50% of LGBTQ members feel they have undergone some trauma, stress because of people’s lack of empathy.

Let us not forget the significance of Pride this year and celebrate them all year round. After all, love is love.