Understanding the Role of an Ally in LGBTQ+ Support

In today’s world, the importance of allyship and support for the LGBTQ+ community cannot be overstated. Being an ally goes beyond mere tolerance; it involves active support, and understanding, in other words, Awareness to Advocacy. This blog will explore what it means to be an effective ally, common mistakes to avoid, and examples of strong allyship in action

Who is an Ally?

An ally is any person who supports, empowers, or stands up for another person or a group of people, particularly those who face discrimination or marginalization. In the context of LGBTQ+ allyship, an ally is a person (not necessarily part of the LGBTQ+ community) who actively advocates for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.

What is Allyship?

Allyship refers to the actions, behaviors, and practices individuals not part of the LGBTQ+ community can take to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ people. Effective allyship is rooted in empathy, education, and active support. It involves understanding the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and working to create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Why Allyship?

The LGBTQ Community constitutes around 10% of India’s population meaning around 135 million people belong to the LGBTQ+ Community. LGBTQ (Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer). However, only 2% of the population accept that they are gay. The sole reason behind this is nothing but ‘societal pressure’ (source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/).

The Six Pillars of Effective Allyship: S.T.A.N.D.S.

To be an effective ally, one can follow the S.T.A.N.D.S. framework, which encompasses six key principles:

1. Supportive: Actively offer support to LGBTQ+ individuals. Be a dependable ally who listens and stands by them in both good and challenging times, when someone shares their experiences provide emotional support. Offer unwavering support to them
2. Trustworthy: Build and maintain trust by respecting confidentiality and being reliable. Show that you are a safe person to confide in. If someone confides in you about their identity or orientation, keep their confidence and support their privacy. Trust can be easily broken if personal information is shared or discussed.
3. Aware: Stay informed about LGBTQ+ issues, terminology, and current events. Awareness helps you understand the community’s needs and challenges better. Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ history, rights issues, and the correct use of pronouns.
4. Non-Judgmental: Approach conversations and situations without preconceived judgments. Be open-minded and accepting of different experiences and identities. Avoid making assumptions about someone’s gender or sexual orientation based on their appearance or behavior.
5. Dedicated: Show commitment to ongoing learning and advocacy. Dedication means consistency in your allyship efforts, not just performing one-off actions. Participate in LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, volunteer for organizations, and continue educating yourself on LGBTQ+ issues.
6. 
   Self-Reflective: Regularly reflect on your own biases, privileges, and actions. Self-reflection is key to growing as an ally and making meaningful contributions to inclusivity. Acknowledge your privileges, question your assumptions, and strive to be more inclusive in your daily life.

Examples of Strong Allyship in Action

1. Media Representation
   • Filmmakers and authors include diverse and authentic LGBTQ+ characters and storylines. Consulting with individuals from the community during the creation process to ensure accurate and respectful representation.
2. Policy Advocacy
   • Advocating for inclusive policies at workplaces, schools, and in legislation that protect the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ individuals. Including individuals from the community while drafting the policy.
3. Community Support
   • Supporting LGBTQ+ businesses, attending pride events, and donating to LGBTQ+ organizations and causes.
4. Education and Awareness

Hosting or participating in workshops, seminars, and discussions focused on LGBTQ+ issues to educate others and spread awareness.

Continuing the Journey

Being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community involves continuous learning, empathy, and active support. By following the principles of the S.T.A.N.D.S. framework and avoiding common mistakes, you can make a meaningful difference. Remember, allyship is a journey, not a destination. Every step you take helps create a more inclusive and equitable world for everyone.

Call to Action

We all have a role to play in supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Start today by educating yourself, supporting their voices, and advocating for equality. Together, we can create a world where everyone is accepted and celebrated for who they are.