LET'S TALK ABOUT PRIDE MONTH - 

As Bob Dylan wrote, the times, they are a-changin’. Just a look around our everyday lives and you can see more visibility, and, in many ways, acceptance, for people who are LGBTQ+. Count the number of shows that you watch that have LGBTQ+ characters or storylines. Watch the news and people are talking about the fact that people who are gay, lesbian, and bisexual now have the right to marry their same-sex partners. In schools, gay-straight alliances (or GSAs) are common, while many workplaces feature employee groups for people who are LGBTQ+ and their allies. (Source: Straight for Equality)

WHAT IS PRIDE MONTH? 

Pride Month is celebrated each June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots and the efforts of those who have worked to pursue equality for all members of the LGBTQ+ community (Hegarty & Rutherford, 2019). Pride month highlights opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to openly express their LGBTQ identity and for allies to have an opportunity to show love and support for LGBTQ+ people. (Source: The Trevor Project)

10 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO BE
AN ALLY TO PEOPLE WHO ARE LGBTQ+

Looking for simple ways to start being a more engaged and active ally? Try using a few of these suggestions to build your ally skills and start creating change.

"Many corporations are leading the way in creating policies and programs that ensure equality for LGBTQ+ people. However, research shows that roughly half of LGBTQ+ adults still remain closeted at work. The problem is often in workplace culture, and the solution lies in supportive allies becoming more visible and engaged.” 

1. Be open. Talk about having lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) friends, family, colleagues, classmates, and acquaintances.
2. Ask questions. Or do research on your own. If you hear acronyms, terminology, or references you’re not familiar with commit to getting the answers.
3. Stay informed. Learn about the realities, challenges, and issues affecting the lives of people who are LGBTQ+ through news stories, social media, websites, books, documentaries, and educational materials.
4. Speak up. When you hear anti-LGBTQ+ slurs, jokes, or misinformation say something. Lead with why you’re an ally to make your case for more welcoming and inclusive spaces.
5. Teach equality. Talk to the children in your life about different kinds of families. Be mindful of the day-to-day messages that they are receiving about people for are LGBTQ+ in schools, from friends, the web, and on TV.
6. Reconsider your support. When you are thinking about donating time, talent, or treasure to an organization consider whether they have inclusive policies. If they don’t, ask how you can help.
7. Think about where you spend. Support LGBTQ+-owned and friendly businesses that have policies and practices to ensure equal treatment for employees and customers.
8. Challenge those around you. Encourage the organizations you are a part of – including social groups, your workplace, or faith community – to consider inclusive policies that protect the LGBTQ+ community from discrimination.
9. Get loud. Talk to friends and family, share stories online – do whatever you can to come out as an ally so that others know you support respectful and equal treatment for people who are LGBTQ+.
10. Become an advocate. Call, write, email, or visit public policymakers and let them know that as an ally who votes, you support laws that extend equal rights and protections al ALL people. 

(Source: Straight for Equality)