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June is Pride Month. It’s a time of the year when rainbow flags wave everywhere, and where people around the world celebrate diversity, inclusion, and acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community.
While attending Pride marches is a powerful way to show support, there are also other ways you can be an ally to the queer community, according to Parade. Read ahead for tips on how you can show your loved ones who are part of this community your support and solidarity.
Become an Ally to Your Family and Friends
If your child comes out to you, it’s a moment of trust, and how you respond matters. You can show your support by asking the right questions and saying you love them no matter what. Remind them that who they are doesn’t make a difference in terms of how you feel about them. These actions ensure your child feels fully accepted for who they are.
Many of the previous principles also apply to friends. You can show up for your queer friends and let them know you’re there for them through actions, including going to their first Pride Parade with them or wearing something to show your support for them. These small actions can add up and make a big difference.
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Be an Ally at the Workplace
Being an ally at work ensures everyone feels seen and heard. You can uplift your queer coworkers by making sure they are a part of discussions and bigger meetings and by pointing out their ideas. Showing your support also means making sure LGBTQIA+ coworkers have the opportunity to be promoted for higher positions, respecting pronouns, and ensuring your queer coworkers feel welcome.
Embrace Inclusivity
Inclusivity starts with an open mindset. You can embrace inclusivity by avoiding assumptions about someone’s identity, and letting people define themselves instead. Other ways to be inclusive involve using language that’s gender-neutral, to make sure everyone feels respected.
Show Your Support
You can make a real difference through donating or volunteering your time to organizations like The Trevor Project that support the queer community, USA Today reports. You can also let the community know you care and spread kindness on social media through sharing infographics and posting messages of love and support.
Make sure to also stand up for people in the queer community online or in person, according to CBC. If someone is being harassed in person, you can approach as if you know the person and take them to a safe space.
Another way to be a good ally? Speak up when it matters most. This means addressing homophobic or transphobic comments or jokes. Emphasize the importance of being kind and give people resources to learn more. “Understanding is the cure for fear,” Lucky Fusca, board chair of Pride P.E.I. and the executive director of the P.E.I. Transgender Network, tells CBC.
Through being an ally, you can create a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse world.
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