6 Ways to Respectfully Be a Better LGBTQ Ally

Marginalized communities in the U.S. are going through a tough time—to say the least.

In the last few years we’ve seen families being torn apart over immigration, rising threats to women’s reproductive rights, bans that prevent the trans community from working, and an overall increase in reported hate crimes based on race, sexual orientation, gender, and religion.

Echoing Oprah’s keynote speech at the opening of the Statue of Liberty Museum in New York last year, “We live in divisive times, but I think it’s only fitting that at this critical moment, we remember that the one idea that sustains the soul of America above all others is freedom.” For that reason, we must put our differences aside, advocate for each other’s basic human rights, and become better allies.

But what is allyship to begin with? Merriam-Webster defines the word ally as “a sovereign or state associated with another by treaty or league.” That is true, however, there’s one definition that accurately fits what we’re discussing: “One that is associated with another as a helper: a person or group that provides assistance and support in an ongoing effort, activity, or struggle.”

For the LGBTQ community, an ally is a straight and/or cisgender person who supports and advocates for LGBTQ people. Often, allies come together at Pride events, for instance, to uplift and strengthen the community—particularly Black and brown LGBTQ people who face greater threats of violence.

Read the article to learn more about the 6 ways to be an ally:

1. Recognize your privilege and use it for good.
2. Ask educated questions—and do your own research.
3. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
4. Take your online activism into real-life scenarios.
5. Speak up for the underrepresented.
6. Follow the lead of your LGBTQ peers.