There are three key parts of being a good ally to 2SLGBTQIA+ people: Learning, Reflecting, and Practicing. Remember, these are your responsibility! To be a good ally, you need to take personal action to change your viewpoints and actions to support 2SLGBTQIA+ people.
This information can be found on Egale Canada.
Learn
- (1) Listen to the experiences and perspectives of LGBTQ2S+ people; (2) respect these experiences and perspectives; (3) acknowledge their validity (even if you don’t understand them).
- Seek out information and opportunities to expand your understanding (learn through media, attend events, meet LGBTQ2S+ community members, and learn about local services and supports).
- Remember your learning is your responsibility – avoid asking LGBTQ2S+ people to answer all of your questions (not all LGBTQ2S+ people are comfortable acting in an educator role).
Reflect
- Be open to feedback about how your behaviour is impacting other people.
- Reflect on and question the stereotypes and negative assumptions held by yourself and others.
- Avoid assuming how people identify. Listen for, or politely ask, how someone wants to be identified.
- When talking about LGBTQ2S+ topics, assume there are LGBTQ2S+ or people with LGBTQ2S+ loved ones in the room and consider how they might be impacted by the tone, spirit, and direction of the conversation.
- Observe the way other folks around you act as allies, even in the smallest ways.
- Remember, everyone’s experience of gender and sexuality is different and it’s impossible (and unfair) to ask one person to speak on behalf of a whole group.
Practice
- Intervene when you witness offensive behaviour or language.
- Use inclusive language to ensure everyone feels welcome and respected.
- Challenge policies, practices, and procedures that create barriers for LGBTQ2S+ people.
- Apologize regardless of intent. Everyone makes mistakes in an ally role, what matters, is how you respond when it gets brought to your attention.
- Be courageous! Don’t be afraid to learn, ask for more information, and provide support.