Allyship Beyond Pride Month: Year-Round Support

Read This. Very Important: Every June, our social media feeds explode in a burst of rainbows. Stores boast sales on rainbow-themed merchandise, and parades take to the streets in a celebration of love, acceptance, and Pride. It’s colorful, it’s cheerful, and it’s meaningful. Pride Month is undoubtedly a fantastic time to be alive and loud. But let’s chat about something – what happens when the calendars flip to July? Does the support end, and do the rainbows fade?First things first. I totally get the sentiment behind wanting to join the celebration during Pride Month. And it’s genuinely heartening to see so many allies standing up for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. But let’s dive a bit deeper into what being an ally truly means.Being an ally isn’t a June-only gig. It’s not just wearing a rainbow pin, attending a parade, or posting a supportive message on social media once a year. It’s a 24/7, 365 days a year commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ folks. Imagine if we only supported our friends on their birthdays and then ignored them for the rest of the year. Kinda feels wrong, right?

LGBTQ+ issues persist year-round. Discrimination doesn’t take a break, and neither should allyship.

So, how can you, as a dedicated ally, make a difference every day?

Educate Yourself:

Dive into LGBTQ+ history, issues, and experiences. There are countless books, documentaries, and resources out there that provide a deep understanding of what it means to be LGBTQ+. Familiarize yourself with terms, learn about the struggles, and celebrate the triumphs. When you’re educated, you’re better equipped to engage in conversations and fight against misinformation.

Listen and Amplify:

Being an ally also means knowing when to listen and when to speak. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is listen to the stories and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Then, use your voice to amplify theirs. Share their stories, join their fights, and give them a platform when they’ve been.

Check Your Privilege:

This is a big one. Recognize the privileges you hold and understand how they might shield you from certain experiences. By acknowledging these privileges, you’re better positioned to use them in service of those who don’t have them.

Correct Misinformation and Biases:

If you hear someone spewing misinformation or showing prejudice against the LGBTQ+ community, speak up! Challenge those views and provide accurate information. Be the voice in the room that says “Hey, that’s not okay.”

Support LGBTQ+ Businesses:

Voting with your dollar is a powerful tool. Whether it’s a local LGBTQ+ owned café, an online store, or artists, support them year-round.

Engage in Advocacy:

Support policies and organizations that further LGBTQ+ rights. This could mean voting, donating, or volunteering your time to causes that matter.

Be Present:

Show up for your LGBTQ+ friends and family. Ask them how they’re doing, be there during their highs and lows, and remind them that they’re loved and valid all year round.Remember, allyship isn’t about you; it’s about using your voice, privilege, and actions to support the LGBTQ+ community. It’s about being consistent and genuine in your efforts.As we wrap up our chat, think of allyship as a long-term commitment. Just as rainbows are made of various colors standing side by side, so is the essence of true allyship – diverse, vibrant, and consistent.Let’s keep those rainbows shining, not just in June, but every single day of the year. Because love, acceptance, and support shouldn’t be seasonal. Stay proud and supportive, Left Arrow tees.

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