How to be an Ally During PRIDE
On the outside, PRIDE can appear to be all about the rainbows, celebrating our progress, and acknowledging those who have come before us, who fought for the rights we experience today. This year feels different. From the recent spike in hate crimes, to the more than 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills that have been introduced in state legislatures across the United States this year, our rights are under attack. These bills focus on education and health care, banning access to gender-affirming health care, and a focus on regulating curriculum in schools, including discussions around gender identity and sexuality.
In Canada, there are gaps in access to gender-affirming care in some provinces, the banning of books, protests, and violent threats against drag shows and story time events, in addition to systemic gaps in funding and representation.
Odds are, you’re reading this because you are already a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community. But maybe you want to take your support to the next level. What does it mean to be an ally of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights?
Being a 2SLGBTQIA+ ally is an active and consistent practice of unlearning and re-evaluating, in which a straight, cisgender person seeks to operate in solidarity with a member of the queer community. There is no “one-way” to be an ally. However, there are some simple things you can do to take your support to the next level, and there is no better time than PRIDE!
Identify yourself as an Ally
Letting the queer people in your life know that you are not only someone who accepts them as they are, but also supports their rights as an ally. Any support has to be consensual. Queer people can often be hesitant to “come out” to someone until they can trust that that person is not going to harm them or potentially “out” them to other people until they are ready, especially in a work and or professional environment. Subtle things like wearing a PRIDE t-shirt, sticking an equality sticker on your car, or making an LGBTQIA+ affirming social media post can give queer people clues that you’re on their team and therefore can trust you. You should not, however, assume someone’s sexual orientation nor should you ask someone if they are gay/queer/trans. If a queer person wants you to know and is comfortable enough with you, they will tell you in their own time.
Learn about LGBTQIA+ history
PRIDE events in North America trace their origins back to the Stonewall riots of June 28, 1969, when members of the LGBT community protested a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in New York City. These community spaces were routinely subject to violent raids and their patrons faced with brutality from law enforcement. Stonewall was an important first step in opposing this treatment and demanding political and social change. On the one-year anniversary of the uprising, the first Pride marches were held in the United States, and the movement spread across the world in subsequent years.
Educate yourself
On top of knowing a bit about LGBTQIA+ history and the origins of PRIDE you can familiarize yourself with current LGBTQIA+ terminology. For example, what does pansexual mean? And what is the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity? Watch this video to learn more.
The importance of pronouns
Pronouns can sometimes be a signifier for someone’s gender identity, but not always. You should not assume someone’s pronouns based on their gender expression. If you are unsure, you can provide someone an opportunity to share their pronouns with you by respectfully asking “what are your pronouns?”
Using someone’s correct pronouns shows that you are welcoming of all genders and are respectful of their identity. For more information on pronouns, including what to do if you misgender someone, check out this pronouns guide.
Show up for PRIDE!
One of the best ways to show your support during PRIDE is to attend a PRIDE event! Whether it’s a parade, fundraiser, drag show, festival, or private event, let us know you’re an ally by simply showing up! Check out pride events in your city or town.
Donate to an LGBTQIA+ organization
Many 2SLGBTQIA+-focused organizations are the life support to the LGBTQIA+ communities they serve. Not only do they provide a sense of safety and security but many also offer programs and services that are vital to the community such as access to culturally competent and affirming healthcare, social and support groups, housing, and more. When you make a gift to an organization that provides these types of services you are ensuring that these programs and services can continue to grow and serve the people who need them the most. For example, Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia (RRANS), privately sponsors LGBTQIA+ refugees. It costs approximately $15,000 to sponsor and resettle an LGBTQ refugee. Click here to learn more and donate.