How to Be An Ally

Being an ally is hard, if it was easy, everyone would be an ally. However, everyone should try to be an ally. Here are some ways you can be a better ally:

• Research - Congratulations! You have started this step by reading this. Good allies should research the terms/definitions on their own, as it can make it uncomfortable for people in the LGBTQIAP+ community to explain. Some friends may explain it to you, but it's better if you research it yourself.

• Support - When your friends have problems and bring them up to you, don't dismiss those problems. Be compassionate and offer to help find a solution.

• Stand Up - People tend to make homophobic/transphobic jokes when they think that people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community aren't there. Many would not make these jokes if there was somebody in the community present. Obviously, these jokes shouldn't be happening and a quick "Hey my uncle is gay. Don't say that." does a lot, and makes others feel comfortable.

• Think Before You Speak - There's a fine line between a joke someone is fine with and something invalidating or upsetting. Sometimes wording is the key to getting your point across without hurting someone. We have supplied some resources to help change wording.

• Kind - Everyone is kind at heart, and the most important part is to be kind and compassionate, because you may not know what everyone goes through or what their identity is.

• Avoid Using Gendered Language: Rather than saying, "his or her" use their. Instead of saying boys and girls, use people/students/humans/etc.

*DO NOT OUT PEOPLE* If a person comes out to you, they might not have told everyone, so you cannot tell anyone that doesn't know. It is their business who they come out to and you could put them in a potentially unsafe situation.

Check with them before you tell anyone else. A good idea is to ask who they are out to and who they aren't out to. Check the Coming Out page for more information

Wording: What to Say/What Not to Say