So you want to be an ally?
An ally is a straight or cisgender person who supports LGBTQIA rights. This page is a toolkit for allies of LGBTQIA people. Whether you are new to this or have been around the block, everyone can learn something new to help become a better ally.
Remember: An Ally strives to:
- be a friend
- be an active listener
- be open-minded
- commit themselves to personal growth in spite of the discomfort it may sometimes cause
- recognize their personal boundaries
- recognize when to refer an individual to additional resources
- confront their own prejudices and biases
- join others with a common purpose
- believe that all persons regardless of age, sex, race, gender identity or expression, religion, spriritual tradition, ability, ethnicity or sexual orientation should be treated with dignity and respect
- engage in the process of developing a culture free of heterosexism and cissexism
- recognize their mistakes but not use them as an excuse for inaction
- be responsible for empowering their role in a community, particularly as it relates to responding to heterosexism and cissexism
- recognize the legal powers and privileges that heterosexuals have and which Queer people are denied
- support the Skidmore Pride Alliance and QLIC (Queer Lives in Color)
We have put together a workbook that anyone can use to learn more about becoming an ally for queer people. Whether you are a seasoned ally or just someone looking for some answers, this toolkit is a valuable source to use by yourself, in the classroom, with your student org or with anyone else who wants to learn more.
What is LGBTQIA? Find out important definitions at GLSEN.
Celebrate allies! National Ally Week is in October. This website has ways to celebrate allies, tips for being a good ally and other resources for allies.