Be an ally to your LGBTQ+ communities
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) falls on 17 May each year.
This globally recognised date was chosen to mark the decision by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to remove homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases in 1990.
The purpose of IDAHOBIT is to raise awareness and spotlight the issues that global LGBTQ+ communities still face and to encourage people all over the world to support the communities and promote equality.
The best way that we can support our LGBTQ+ community is to become better allies. To be an ally means that a person who is straight or cisgender supports the equality rights of the LGBTQ+ community by helping them tackle prejudice, being more understanding of their lived experience and combatting any anti-LGBTQ+ behaviour that we encounter.
Here are a few things you can do to become an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Be mindful and kind
Being mindful of using non-binary language is a great way to create a more inclusive society. Members of the LGBTQ+ community may feel more excluded if cis-gender and straight language is thought of as normal and anything other than that is abnormal.
Always remember to be kind, an individual’s gender or sexuality should never be a factor in how you treat them, and it is also not something to laugh at or joke about. People of all sexualities and genders should be treated with equal respect and kindness every day.
Ask questions and listen
If there is anything you are unsure of about the LGBTQ+ community, do not be afraid to ask. As long as questions are polite, respectful and not overly intrusive, individuals of the community will be more comfortable with your efforts in understanding them.
By asking questions and listening to them you can gain more of an understanding of their lived experience. As a cisgender or straight person, you won’t truly understand the extent of the homophobia they may face daily within society, by speaking to them and listening about their experience you may gain more of an insight and understanding of what they are up against.
Speak up
No one deserves to be criticised or othered because of their gender or sexuality. If you see homophobic abuse, report it. It is important to stand up for the LGBTQ+ community, whether you know the individual or not. Don’t be a bystander, speak up against anti-LGBTQ+ behaviour, and help create equality in society.
If you hear someone use everyday language that is offensive to any member of the LGBTQ+ community, you should challenge it. Some people may not understand that they are being offensive, but by pulling them up on it you can educate more people to be more inclusive and respectful to all.
Be supportive
By doing your research and learning about current affairs that are of interest to the LGBTQ+ community, you can form a deeper understanding and opinion of the underrepresented issues that LGBTQ+ people continue to face.
You can also be supportive by attending protests, parades, demonstrations and signing petitions. Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or not, simply being present will be a huge support in standing up for equality.
Helping people to overcome tough times such as bullying, coming out and a wider range of issues is a great way of showing your support. Through spreading the word of recourses and support services, you can help people get the help they need with any issues they are facing.
Your support and efforts to be an ally are essential in furthering the fight against issues that our LGBTQ+ community face. Thank you.
Below are some local resources that offer confidential support:
Please note children can also access support through their school nurse.