BEING AN ALLY
You don’t have to be gay to be a supporter, just human. Statistics don’t lie—LGBTQI+ high school students have staggering rates of depression and suicide.Whether or not you identify as LGBTQI+, you can help those who are struggling! Below we've listed ideas on how to make a difference. You don't need to do themall, but trying a few might have more of an impact than you realise.
1. If it's not gay,
it's not gay.
Throwaway jokes about people being gay, 'bent', ‘faggots’, or ‘trannies’ often don’t seem hurtful. But the truth is, constantly hearing these insults words can make school a pretty difficult experience for LGBTQI+ students —particularly if they’re not out.Make an effort not to use these words at all—there are somany words that won’t make someone feel like they’re weird or abnormal!
2. Call it out!
This one can be hard, because it can feel like you’re being too serious, or not able to take a joke. However, if you really want to help make sure LGBTQI+ teens feel positive and accepted, hearing allies step up and call out casual homophobia and transphobia will probably make someone's day! It can be as simple as asking, how is that 'gay'?
3. Be open to learning
Maybe the idea of gender fluidity makes you want to make a joke about there being 63 genders, or identifying as an apache attack helicopter. However, many aspects of LGBTQI+ identity are actually rooted in science or were around before our current social ideas existed. So hear out the LGBTQI community, because there's complexity and science inherent to our identities!
4. Stand out
as an ally
As a closeted LGBTQI+ student, it helped a LOT to know which of my friends would stand by me no matter my identity. Making yourself known to your friends as a supporter of the LGBTQI+ community is often reassuring for people around you who don’t know who will accept them.
5. Join or
start a group
If there is a StandOut group at your school, or a GSA (gay-straight alliance) this can be a great way to be a particularly active and visible ally. It might feel awkward visiting a “gay group” but doing so will also encourage more straight allies to come—you can be the start of an exponential wave of LGBT inclusivity and support. Sometimes, it might take a straight ally to start a GSA. If you take this initiative, it might just help some closeted LGBT students make it through high school alright. See our resources for some help with this
Read more here.
Download the printable here.