WAYS TO BE A BETTER ALLY

Despite significant progress in the past few decades with marriage equality, removal of homosexuality as a crime and increase visibility, people from the LGBTQIA+ community still experience stigma, discrimination and violence in many areas that negatively impact their health and wellbeing. Unfortunately, lately we have seen an increase in a lot of negative conversations about trans people in sport, drag story time and queer youth events have been targeted.

In 2019, the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University, with support from Rainbow Health Victoria and Rainbow Network, conducted the largest ever study on the experiences of LGBTQA+ young people in Australia. The study looked at the experiences of LGBTQA+ people aged 14-21 with regards to education, homelessness, harassment, assault, mental health, community connections and more.

The study found that 61% of participants reported experiencing verbal homophobic abuse, 18% reported physical homophobic abuse; and 80% of respondents experienced the reported abuse at school.

Why do we need allies?

We can't fix everything on our own, but collectively we can make a difference by moving hearts and minds. Allies, in particular, can use their voice and privilege to drive positive change in the community. As straight and cisgender people, allies have the capacity to:

  • Have different conversations; without being targeted or seen to be driving an agenda.

  • Access different spaces; because there are still alot of unsafe spaces for queer people.

  • Deliver a message more effectively; because too often queer voices go unheard.

HERE ARE SEVEN SIMPLE WAYS YOU CAN BE A BETTER ALLY TO LGBTIQ+ PEOPLE.

1. EDUCATE YOURSELF

Learn about the LGBTIQ+ community. Talk to people who identify as LGBTIQ+, read books and online resources, listen to podcasts, watch a Ted talk, visit businesses or organisations run by people from the LGBTQIA+ community.

2.     LISTEN

Actively listen and understand the issues that are important to the LGBTIQ+ community. Immerse yourself in their world and get a sense of what it's like to live in their shoes.

3.     SUPPORT YOUR LGBTIQ+ FAMILY

Check-in with your LGBTIQ+ mates after a horrible news day. Let them know that you stand with them through your actions, big and small.

4.     RECOGNISE YOUR PRIVILEGE

There are more of you. Your voice and visibility as an ally are a lot more powerful than you think. Recognise your privilege and use it for good.

5.     USE PRONOUNS

Using a person’s correct pronouns is a way to respect and affirm their gender identity. Always use the pronouns and names of people want you to use. If you’re not sure, just ask.

Use your pronouns, when you introduce yourself, on your email signature and on name tags.

6.     SPEAK UP

Call out anti-LGBTIQ behaviour when you see it. Speak up when you see someone being harassed or ridiculed because of their LGBTIQ identity. This can be online, at school, at work, or in community. Don’t let casual homophobia or transphobia be used jokingly on the sports field.

7.     BE VISIBLE

Make it known publicly and proudly that you welcome and support the LGBTIQ+ community. Being visible about being an ally is a simple but powerful act on its own. And one of the best ways to be an ally is to celebrate your LGBTIQ+ friends, family and colleagues. Embrace them and celebrate their diversity. Make it known that you value them and that there is much to be learned from their experiences.