LGBTQ +
5 easy steps to help queer people
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Waving the rainbow flag on Christopher Street Day is certainly not enough to show attitude. So you can be an ally for the LGBTIQ + community on the remaining 364 days of the year.
You want to support queer people, but you don’t know what best to do? Then you are like many others – including me. Because, to be honest, as a heterosexual cis person I will never be able to fully put myself in the shoes of the LGBTQI + community.
I never really had to fight to live the way I want to live. When I walk through the streets with my boyfriend holding hands, I am not looked at from an oblique angle. In short: I’ve never been discriminated against on the basis of my sexual orientation – and I don’t want to and can’t take that for granted.
Many people do not have these privileges. They must continue to fight for their rights and recognition. Therefore it is important to be an ally or an ally for them as a straight man or woman – in English also called “Ally”. And you can do that for it.
1. We can listen
Listening instead of talking is the motto! Engage in an exchange to learn more about the problems LGBTQ + people face on a daily basis. Actively listen to people. It can happen that many of our ideas and opinions turn out to be incorrect. We have to be careful not to suddenly go on the offensive to defend our mistakes. Also, dearly meant advice can often backfire. An open ear is so much more valuable.
2. We can educate ourselves
Knowledge is power! Nobody asks us to be experts, but: The more we know, the easier it will be for us, as allies: to stand at the side of disadvantaged groups against oppression, homophobia and sexism.
3. We can learn from mistakes and be honest with ourselves
Test your own prejudices. Do you find yourself how certain prejudices affect your behavior? How are your reactions to the problems of the LGBTQ + community? The fact is, everyone is biased in a certain way. Unfortunately, this cannot be avoided. It is all the more important to become aware of this and to see other people individually for what they really are.
4. We can take action
If we all dare to take action against bullying against queer people, that is an extremely important step. Step in when someone is treated incorrectly or disrespectfully. Unfortunately, homophobic behavior is not uncommon. Anyone who witnesses bullying should act – as an active: r spectator: in: Bring the bullied person out of the situation to a safer place if possible. Do not try to verbally or physically confront the bully. That usually stirs up the situation.
Of course, active help also applies to online bullying: The most effective way to combat hostility on the Internet is to report the posts as soon as you see them.
5. Ask yourself …
… do you think it’s okay when you are asked whether you are a man or a woman? Would you like to exchange ideas with strangers about your sexual preferences? Would you ask a straight couple whether they are really sure? Would you also ask others to come out as straight? Looking at situations from a different perspective helps you avoid (perhaps unconsciously) undesirable behavior.
If everyone adheres to these five simple steps, it will make a huge contribution to our society becoming more tolerant, open and colorful. And that’s a nice feeling!
Source used: Regenborgenportal.de, Refinery29.com, Spiegel.de