In today’s world, allyship isn’t just appreciated, it’s essential. For those who identify as LGBTQ+, everyday life can include experiences of discrimination, misunderstanding, and marginalization. Being an ally means standing beside the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for their rights, and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen and safe. But, true allyship is more than wearing a rainbow pin or sharing a Pride post in June, it requires understanding, effort, and empathy all year round.
What Does It Mean to Be an LGBTQ+ Ally?
An LGBTQ+ ally is a person who stands up for and supports the rights, dignity, and well-being of individuals in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and wider LGBTQ+ community, even if they are not part of it themselves. Allies help break down stigma, promote inclusivity, and stand against discrimination in everyday life.
Allyship isn’t about being perfect or knowing everything, it’s about being willing to learn, listen, and take action when it matters most.
Why Allyship Matters
The LGBTQ+ community continues to face systemic challenges across healthcare, education, the workplace, and beyond. According to the Human Rights Campaign, over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across the U.S. in 2023 alone, including laws targeting transgender youth, limiting access to healthcare, and restricting LGBTQ+ education in schools. These developments underscore the need for strong allies who are willing to speak up and stand in solidarity.
For LGBTQ+ individuals, knowing that allies have their backs can be life-changing. It creates safer communities, promotes mental well-being, and supports the movement toward equality.
10 Ways to Be a Better LGBTQ+ Ally
1. Educate Yourself
Start with the basics: learn the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity, understand terms like “non-binary,” “cisgender,” or “pansexual,” and read about LGBTQ+ history and rights. Don’t rely solely on LGBTQ+ people to teach you—there are countless books, documentaries, podcasts, and websites available to guide your learning.
2. Use Inclusive Language
Language is powerful. Using a person’s correct pronouns and chosen name shows respect and validation. If you’re unsure, don’t assume, ask politely or introduce your own pronouns first (e.g., “Hi, I’m Jamie, and I use they/them pronouns.”)
Avoid phrases or jokes that marginalize or stereotype LGBTQ+ people, even casually.
3. Listen Without Judgment
Everyone’s identity and experience are personal. As an ally, your role isn’t to question or correct but to listen and believe what people share about themselves. Holding space with empathy can help someone feel truly seen.
4. Support LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses and Artists
Amplify LGBTQ+ voices by supporting queer-owned businesses, fashion labels, and artists. Whether you're buying Pride apparel from a small LGBTQ+ shop or sharing content from queer creators online, your dollars and attention make a difference.
5. Show Up—Not Just During Pride Month
While Pride Month is a great time to celebrate, allyship isn’t seasonal. Attend LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, support causes and legislation that protect queer rights, and speak out consistently.
Look up local Pride centers or events in your area to stay engaged. A few examples:
- Los Angeles LGBT Center – 1118 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA
- The Center (New York) (New York) – 208 W 13th St, New York, NY
6. Advocate in Your Workplace and Community
Does your workplace have an LGBTQ+ inclusive policy? Are local schools safe for LGBTQ+ students? Allyship means helping create change where you live and work. Advocate for gender-neutral bathrooms, inclusive hiring practices, and support for LGBTQ+ youth.
7. Interrupt Harmful Behavior
If someone makes a homophobic or transphobic comment, don’t stay silent. It can be uncomfortable to speak up, but silence often equals complicity. Challenge harmful language or actions calmly and assertively, this sends a clear message of support to LGBTQ+ individuals nearby.
8. Acknowledge Your Privilege
You don't need to feel guilty about your privilege, but acknowledging it is essential; use your voice, influence, and resources to support those who lack the same opportunities or sense of safety.
9. Center the Most Marginalized Voices
Within the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, transgender individuals, and disabled queer people often face added layers of discrimination. A good ally uplifts the most marginalized voices, listens to their concerns, and advocates for intersectional justice.
10. Keep Learning and Unlearning
Allyship is a process, not a checklist. Be open to correction, stay curious, and keep evolving. If you make a mistake, apologize, learn, and do better next time. Growth is part of what makes allyship powerful.
Common Myths About Allyship
- “I have LGBTQ+ friends, so I’m already an ally.”
Allyship requires action. Friendship is important, but it doesn’t replace the need for advocacy and awareness. - “I don’t see sexuality or gender, I treat everyone the same.”
While well-meaning, this statement can erase the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Instead, acknowledge their identities and celebrate their diversity.
Allyship in Action: Real-Life Examples
- Parents advocating for trans youth in schools by pushing for inclusive bathroom policies and pronoun respect.
- Straight allies joining Pride marches and volunteering at LGBTQ+ shelters.
- Teachers incorporating LGBTQ+ history and authors into their curriculum.
- Faith leaders welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals into affirming spiritual communities.
These acts (big or small) help shape a more inclusive world.
Being an LGBTQ+ ally is not about identity, it’s about action. It’s about choosing compassion, standing up for others, and helping to create spaces where everyone can live authentically and safely. Knowing all the answers is unnecessary, but be willing to listen and learn, but mostly, to show up when it counts.
In the words of activist Audre Lorde:
“It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences.”
So be bold. Be curious. Be kind. And most of all, be an ally.
Ally Tank Top
$39.00
Bring on the pride with the Ally Tank Top! This vibrant top features a purple to white dotted fade, perfectly complementing the bold LGBTQ+ ally pride flag on the back. Show off your support and stand out in style. -… read more
