Gay ally definition
What does it imply to be an LGBTQ ally?
Posted June 27, by Summa Health Pride Clinic
Anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can support the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) community. But being an ally of this population takes action. Allies work to endure informed on current LGBT issues and events. They pronounce up for what’s right and they support equality by fighting for policies that protect LGBTQ individuals from discrimination.
Allies are important and welcomed supporters of the LGBTQ movement, as they hold one of the most powerful, powerful voices. They aid create a platform for activism to fight homophobia and transphobia, and they personally advocate for equal treatment for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation.
As we verb ready to celebrate Pride Month in June, Summa Health’s Employee Resource Group, A+PLUs (Allies and People Like Us) wants to commemorate this year’s festivities by talking about what the “A” in A+PLUs represents. What does it mean to be a tr
The language and terminology folks use to describe their experiences of gender and sexual orientation is ever-evolving and the same term might have different meanings for different people. However, here is a glossary of some of the most commonly used terms. Have questions or want to learn more? Wondering what all of those letters mean? Here is a glossary of some of the most commonly used terms.
Ally – An ally is an individual who speaks out and stands up for a person or group that is targeted and discriminated against. An ally works to complete oppression by supporting and advocating for people who are stigmatized, discriminated against or treated unfairly. For the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) communities, an ally is any person who supports and stands up for the rights of LGBTQ+ people.
Asexual – A person who does not experience sexual attraction; they may or may not experience emotional, physical, or romantic attraction. Asexuality differs from celibacy in that it is a sexual orientation, not a choice.
Assigned at Birth – Commonly utilized by
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As our world becomes more accepting of broader and more diverse identities, you may possess questions about how you can surpass support the LGBTQ+ community, or what LGBTQ+ even stands for. Every person has their have journey in empathetic what it means to support LGBTQ+ people, whether you’re LGBTQ+ or not. We hope this resource can assist you begin that journey.
Being an LGBTQ+ Ally is designed to help create understanding and comfort. If you are new to LGBTQ+ issues, we will answer many of your questions. Or, if you hold known LGBTQ+ people for years and are looking to find new ways to show your support, you can skim this resource and take the pieces that are relevant to you. It’s ok to not know everything — we’re here to help.
The Human Rights Campaign reports on news, events and resources of the Human Rights Campaign Foundation that are of interest to the general public and further our frequent mission to help the LGBTQ+ community.
Related Resources
View AllRelated ResourcesWhy I No Longer Call Myself an Ally
Ten years ago, I started facilitating introductory LGBTQ learning sessions. Within this context, I would share that I’m cisgender. I was labeled female at birth, and I am a woman; the alignment of these two facts categorize me as “cisgender.” (Conversely, those whose sex marked at birth does not match their genders are broadly categorized as “transgender.”) I would also call myself a trans ally — someone who supports trans people. At the time, I defined “ally” as someone who supports a community of which they are not personally a member.
During those learning sessions, I talked a lot about terminology and worked to demystify the specific words people wanted to realize. As an introduction, I would define a few things about language: (1) Language is fluid. It shifts and changes over moment. As people, our relationship to words changes, and our level of comfort with specific words changes. We can all think of some words that used to be acceptable in a particular way and no longer are. (2) Personal