By Emily Yeap
Editor: Olivia Sim
Introduction → What the LGBTQ+ Community is Experiencing
Over the past decade, the LGBTQ+ community in the US has made very significant progress through political and legal gains. However, the community is still experiencing many social justice issues, some examples include discrimination, bullying, assault and more.
Additionally, there are still many LGBTQ+ communities in other countries who have not been able to make that amount of progression, and yet, they are still experiencing the same issue with those in the United States.
These social justice issues will affect or cause different mental health problems such as depression, self-harm, anxiety, suicide ideation, eating disorders and others. It has been researched that the deterioration of the LGBTQ+ people’s mental health is higher by 2 to 3 times as compared to the general population.
Thus, allies play a vital role to cultural change and effective LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives.
Here is what you can do to make a difference in their lives:
Take Action with AYA
- https://lgbtqpl.carrd.co/
- https://trans–rights.carrd.co/
- –https://twitter.com/sapphicarkham/status/1294283614356733954 (other carrds).
- https://twitter.com/faiseok/status/1286387411182923776 (as above).
- https://banconversiontherapy.carrd.co/ (Ban Conversion Therapy).
The Importance of Allies
Being an ally means being supportive of equal rights for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sex and religion. It is important to remember that we are in a community filled with a diverse range of people. We are people of colour, people who have different socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. When we stand together, we have unity.
Allies can be one of the most powerful voices for the LGBTQ+ community. They are so important because they are able to create a more understanding, welcoming, SAFE and inclusive environment for the LGBTQ+ community.
Showing that you support the LGBTQ+ community and stand up against ignorance and oppression will impact the lives and livelihoods of them. This enables others to understand the importance of equality.
How To Be an Ally
Stay informed: An ally should always stay informed about current issues and news happening within the LGBTQ+ community and learn more about the LGBTQ+ community itself! Recognise the diversity of their lives, their identities are part of other identities!
Speak up: Words hurt! When you hear offensive remarks or comments towards the LGBTQ+ community or homophobic/transphobic jokes like ‘that is so gay’, you should always speak up to those people who made those remarks and educate them (not hurt them back with words!).
Activism: Be visible and support the LGBTQ+ community! Go to protests, donate to LGBTQ+ communities in need, sign petitions, support local LGBTQ+ business, educate others and more!
Resources
- Main Source of Information: (1)
- How to be an Ally to Your LGBTQ+ friends: (1), (2)
- How to be a straight Ally: (1)
- LGBTQ+ Religious Exemptions and Discrimination: (1)
- https://lgbtbar.org/bar-news/how-to-be-an-ally-and-why-it-matters/
- https://www.edi.nih.gov/blog/communities/why-lgbt-allies-are-critical
- https://engage.youth.gov/resources/being-ally-lgbt-people
- https://www.siue.edu/lgbt/ally.shtml
- https://www.starobserver.com.au/news/discrimination-violence-against-lgbtiq-remain-prevalent-in-australia-report/194216
- https://www.deakin.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/1561127/Alllies-for-change.pdf
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