10 Steps You can Take To Be A Supportive Ally This Pride Month
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Politics and Activism

10 Steps You can Take To Be A Supportive Ally This Pride Month

Make sure they know you will be there for them not only this month but every month.

Love is in the air! Especially now that summer is here and the month of June is upon us. As of June 26th in the year 2015, same-sex marriage was legalized across the United States of America, therefore, June has become wildly known as the universal pride month. Pride festivals occur all across the country this time of year and for those who are out of the closet, it can be the most thrilling part of summer. Others who are not so comfortable tend to keep to themselves, and that's perfectly okay. So here are some tips for you as an ally, usually, a heterosexual cisgendered individual supportive of gay rights, can be there for the LGBT members in your life, whether they are 'out' this pride month or not.

Destiny Rasmussen
Jul 24, 2018
Illinois State University
26
10 Steps You can Take To Be A Supportive Ally This Pride Month
Josh Wilburne

1. Be there for them

Coming out can be the hardest part of accepting who you are, so make sure you can be there for them if that is something they are ready to announce to the world.

2. Ditch any offensive slur of any kind


They may seem like jokes that are funny to drop in a bar or among close friends, but you never know who is struggling with coming out and hearing those kinds of offensive comments will only make this process much MUCH harder. So just don't.

3. Communicate with them often


Make sure they know that they can talk to you whenever they need an ear and a shoulder to cry on. You are their friend and biggest support system.

4. Encourage them


If they seem on the fence about going to a pride event, or talking to a cute individual, be supportive and encourage them. The final decision is always up to them, but try to encourage behavior that you know is healthy for them.

5. Stick up for them


If you see someone bashing on the LGBT society, stick up for it. It may not be directed towards your friend specifically, but it might as well be. And sticking up for the society doesn't change your sexuality, so do not be afraid to preach for what you know is right.

6. Do not favor one sexuality more than another

Being supportive for the LGBT community is very important, as is supporting everyone in the community. This includes transgenders, bisexuals, asexuals, and the list goes on. Try not to only support what is convenient for you.

7. Make plans with them

Make sure they know you are always down to try something new with them. The last thing anyone wants is to go out to a new event completely alone. Just being in their company somewhere they are a little nervous to attend to is supportive by itself.

8. Go on double dates happily


Don't be afraid of any significant others. Offer to do double dates to get to know them more and having you there might calm any nerves your friend has as well and show them you support their love.

9. Offer any help where you can

Sometimes when individuals come out, their home lives change drastically. Offer help wherever you can, even if it is a couch to sleep on or some clothes to wear. Help them work through this stage of their lives until they can get back on their feet.

10. Have fun!

Go out and party! Pride month is all about expressing who you are and having fun with others in the community. Make some new friends and be supportive all the way around.

Being supportive of the ones you love is so important, especially around this time of year when it can be the hardest to express who you are. No matter what side of the spectrum your friend or friends are on, make sure they know that they are loved and you will be there for them whenever they need you, not only this month, but every month from here on out.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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