This year’s Pride Month might be in the rearview, but if you find yourself wishing you could do more to help and support those in the LGBTQIA+ community year-round, you’re not alone.

We’re living in uncertain times, and many members of the community feel scared, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to expect based on our current political and societal climate. Now, more than ever, being a strong ally is important.

But, what does that really look like? Maybe you’ve gone to Pride events and are inspired to do more, but you’re not sure where to start. Let’s cover what it truly means to be an LGBTQIA+ ally, and how you can support this community every day.

Educate Yourself

Pride may have inspired you, but the first thing you should do now to be a better ally going forward is to educate yourself as much as possible. Dig deeper into common issues the LGBTQIA+ community faces. Familiarize yourself with terminology, and learn about different identities.

This community includes a wide range of individuals with different identities and sexual orientations. Developing a better understanding of those gender identities can make you a safer space for those looking for support.

Educating yourself also means letting go of any potential biases you might be holding onto. You might not even realize you had them until you start learning more about the community. Drop stereotypes and misconceptions and commit yourself to learning the truth about different gender identities.

Take Action

Being an ally is also about being an advocate. That requires action.

Pride events are a great place to start, but they’re typically more about celebrating than advocating. If you want to stand up for those in the LGBTQIA+ community, be a visible supporter. Attend rallies and other public events. Speak out openly against homophobic language and actions. Promote policies in workplaces, schools, and other public areas that help to prevent discrimination.

Most importantly, let those in the community know you are a safe person to come to. Sometimes, a person might simply need someone to talk to or be there for them. While it might not seem like much, supporting an individual with a shoulder to lean on can make a bigger impact than you think.

Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Voices

There are marginalized groups within the LGBTQIA+ community, including transgender individuals, those with disabilities, and even people of color. Being a minority in an already marginalized group can be especially challenging. As an ally, it’s important to lift up and celebrate marginalized voices.

Amplify those voices when you can by giving those people a chance to share their stories, struggles, and more. Fight back against discrimination or confusion, even within the community, by promoting inclusivity for all.

Embrace the Journey

It’s essential to remember that being an LGBTQIA+ ally is a journey. You might find, at times, that it’s a stressful one, considering the state of the world. Make sure to take care of yourself along the way by practicing stress-reducing techniques, leaning on your own support system, and working with a mental health professional.

Starting online LGBTQ+ therapy can be a great way to manage your mental well-being while you’re helping and supporting others  It gives you the chance to open up about the things you’re experiencing on this journey, so you can understand your emotions and learn healthy ways to process them.

Throughout the ongoing process of reflection and growth as an ally, you’ll meet some amazing people and experience incredible “wins.” However, you’ll also experience challenges and setbacks. Being present and prepared for both of those things will give you the strength and inspiration you need to keep going. If you need some help along the way, contact our office to set up a consultation.