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How To Be An Ally

A page within Pride Center

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Located on the second floor of the Student Union in the COVE

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AN ALLY IS...

  • Someone who confronts heterosexism, cissexism, anti-LGBTQ+ biases, heterosexual and cisgender privilege in themselves and others.*

  • Has concern for the well being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, asexual, agender, pansexual and other similarly identified people.*

  • Believes that heterosexism, cissexism, homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia are social justice issues.* 

  • A person who supports the LGBTQ+ Community and acknowledges their own privileges and actively works to dismantle systems of oppression (Pride Center UW La Crosse).

    (*LGBT Resource Center at the University of California)

Some Considerations for Being an Ally:

Education:

By helping your self-understand and being aware of current issues, trends, and information about the LGBTQ+ Community you are a better ally to others.  Do not depend on LGBTQ+ people to educate you must educate yourself too! Know that it is okay not to know everything.

Difficulty:

Being an ally is difficult. It is a continual process with yourself and others you know in the LGBTQ+ Community. Part of being an ally is understanding difficulty others face in the LGBTQ+ community.  

Be Present:

Being present with your friends, colleagues, or individuals you are supporting is extremely important.  Being present involves being a listener, being open minded, and willing to talk.

Practice Inclusive Behavior:

Never make assumptions about one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or PGP (personal gender pronoun) by the way someone present themselves.  It is important to get to know the person and know how they identify.   Use gender inclusive language, a person's PGP, and someone's preferred name.

Confront Your Own Privileges:

As an ally it is important to know and be aware of your own privileges you have.  Being aware of privilege helps one better understand viewpoints and understand the injustices that occur for individuals in underrepresented populations.

Be An Active Ally:  

Take notice and be aware of injustices, language, and behaviors of those happening around you. You must be an active ally!  If you are not being an upstander know one knows what you are thinking.  So speak out, stand up, and interrupt injustice!!

For information on this topic, please contact us or stop in the Pride Center and talk with our staff!