Where Are All My Allies At?🏳️‍🌈

🤓 Bite-Sized Knurd: Discrimination against LGBTQ+ people has grown rapidly in the last two years. Practice being a vocal ally. It goes a long way.

Read on for more…

You’ve probably heard the phrase “the first Pride was a riot.”

It’s a snappy catchphrase to remind non-LGBTQ+ people what Pride means apart from the over-commercialized version of rainbow flags and glitter that corporate America has made Pride month into.

Sadly, the phrase is as important as ever to remember.

GLAAD released a study this week showing that LGBTQ Americans are at an increased risk for discrimination than in years past. 70% of LGBTQ Americans surveyed said discrimination toward the community has increased within the last two years. This spans all corners of life – in the workplace, on social media, in public, and even within the family.

It does not come as a surprise. Right-wing forces in this country and abroad have increased their attacks on vilifying and overly sexualizing a community that they do not understand. Creating a fictitious boogeyman around “grooming” children has real-life consequences. The Bay Area experienced this when Proud Boys stormed San Lorenzo’s Drag Queen Story Hour at the public library. As I prepare my outfit for Pride this weekend, I can’t help but think about the family-friendly Pride Parade that was almost attacked by a far-right militia in Idaho.

There is real danger in the LGBTQ+ community right now. We have fought for our basic human rights to live as we want and marry who we love, but those gains are being threatened.

I, for one, feel extremely supported and accepted by the people who are in my life. I certainly had a difficult time coming out where some close to me could not love my full self, but the majority of my friends and chosen family were incredibly supportive.

This gives me hope. I know there are more people out there that love and support LGBTQ+ people. There are more of us than there are of them. Love will conquer hate if we let it.

So for this Pride weekend, I am calling on all allies to stand up and vocally support our LGBTQ+ friends. Here are a few ways allies can help:

1. Practice intersectionality. Consider your privilege and practice giving inclusivity to all Black, Brown, Indigenous, disabled, and other LGBTQ+ people that span the full spectrum of humanity.
2. Share your pronouns when you’re introducing yourself to normalize pronoun sharing. “Hi, my name is Sam. My pronouns are she/her, what are yours?”
3. Don’t make assumptions about someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity based on their appearance.
4. Call out homophobic comments when you hear them. Sometimes homophobia comes down to ignorance. A simple comment can help model good behavior for others.
5. Correct misconceptions about sexual orientation, trans people, gender identity, and other comments you hear that are misinformed.
6. Vocalize your pride! Remind other allies what it looks like to be a good ally.
7. Remember that you are an ally. Allies are more than welcome to celebrate Pride, but it’s important to remember that Pride isn’t about you.
8. Do your own research. Highly recommend watching Gender Revolution: A Journey With Katie Couric on Disney+
9. Be Joyful! I know it’s a scary and uncertain time, but Pride is a celebration. Let’s celebrate the love we have those in our life.

I hope to see you out there celebrating all that is wonderful about LGBTQ+ people!