HOW TO BE A PROGRESSIVE ALLY OF THE LGBTQIA+ COMMUNITY
Here’s to another month of fruitful and colorful month of Pride, commemorating the sacrifices and hardships of the LGBTQIA+ community in pursuit of equal rights. This movement doesn’t just stop from this point. It’s not just a mere celebration and trend that happens every June. The community still needs allies that would help amplify what they’re fighting for progressively.
Reading an article on how to appropriately act as an ally may or may not be your first time, whatever your case, this kind of message should spread on all corners of the world and spark a discussion. The fact that we still have to reiterate means our battle isn’t over yet. Here are some pointers for you to remember:
CALLING OUT IMPLICIT BIASES AND MICROAGGRESSIONS
People are naturally biased toward others depending on how they look and talk—unconsciously categorizing people brought by beliefs and feelings. This instant judgment is called implicit bias—a continued attribute due to peers and socialization by the culture.
Don’t we often think when a man is feminine, we quickly assume that he’s not straight?
Having this kind of mindset usually comes with an action that has become “natural” and expressed indirectly, subtle, or involuntary━this is called microaggression, a byproduct of implicit bias.
We're shocked when a gay guy isn't feminine as thought they would be.
These two attributes are the things that have been practiced and have become offensive habits in our society.
Knowing that gender expression differs from sexual orientation, people automatically relate femininity to gay people as heteronormativity implied. So how do we address this as an ally? We call it out in a way it would spark a discussion. Never assert your position in a way that would end a conversation.
REMEMBER: WE EDUCATE AND NOT CANCEL PEOPLE.
TO ALLYSHIP AND BEYOND
Let’s keep this record straight: an ally is someone who advocates and supports the community, but this won’t make the ally part of the community they’re helping. Also, keep in mind that any relationship won’t make someone a bona fide ally.
Know that you have privileges that most people of the LGBTQIA+ community don’t. Heteronormativity is blatantly present in everything that leaves the queer no room to breathe. With the age of technology, resources from different verified organizations, groups, etc., are available, just waiting for you. Make use of these to empower yourself with much knowledge so that you’ll be able to amplify equality for all because, after all, we don’t want to sound like an empty can, but never act like you know better.
In this pandemic, know that the hardship doesn’t stop, there’s no parade, but it’s not the only way for them to be heard. Use every different platform that you have. There are so many reasons for you to speak. Educate others of humility and empathy towards the community.
TO BE PROGRESSIVE MEANS A LIFETIME
We may know things that others don’t, but this won’t secure what tomorrow may bring. As time progresses, people also change in so many ways but hopefully for the better. But until then, we must ensure that we remain progressive by educating ourselves as we do to others and walk as we talk. Imagine if the mere offensive habits continued due to peers and socialization; what more if we do the same thing by correcting it day by day?
Be proactive. Be an ally.