LGBTQ+: How you can support the queer community as an Ally

LGBTQ+
5 easy steps to stand by queer people

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.

Do you want to support queer people but don’t know what’s the best way to do it? Then you are like many others – including me. Because to be honest, as a straight cis person, I will never fully put myself in the position of the LGBTQI+ community.

I’ve never really had to struggle to live the way I want to live. When I walk down the street with my boyfriend holding hands, people don’t look at me sideways. In short: I’ve never been discriminated against because 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. That’s why it’s important to be their ally or ally as a straight cis man or woman. And that’s what you can do about it.

1. We can listen

Listening instead of talking is the motto! Join the exchange to learn more about the issues LGBTQ+ people face every day. Actively listen to people. It can happen that many of our ideas and opinions turn out to be inaccurate. We have to be careful not to suddenly go on the offensive to defend our mistakes. Well-intentioned advice can often backfire. An open ear is worth so much more.

2. We can educate ourselves

Knowledge is power! While none of us expects to be an expert, the more we know, the easier it will be for us to stand as allies alongside disadvantaged groups against oppression, homophobia and sexism.

3. We can learn from mistakes and be honest with ourselves

Test your own prejudices. Do you catch yourself how certain prejudices influence your behavior? What are your reactions to the problems of the LGBTQ+ community? The fact is, everyone is biased in some 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 by queer people, that is an enormously important step. Intervene when someone is being mistreated or treated with disrespect. For example, homophobic or transphobic behavior is unfortunately not uncommon. Anyone who witnesses bullying in the diverse spectrum of the queer community should act – and do so as an active spectator: If possible, take the bullied person out of the situation and into a safer place. Do not try to confront the bully verbally or physically. That usually fuels the situation.
Of course, active help also applies to online bullying: The most effective way to combat hostilities on the Internet is to report the posts as soon as you see them.

5. Ask yourself…

… , are you okay with being asked if you’re a man or a woman? Would you want to talk to strangers about your sexual preferences? Would you ask a straight couple if they’re really sure? Would you also ask others to come out as straight? Seeing situations from a different perspective helps one (perhaps unconsciously) avoid undesirable behaviors.

If everyone follows these five simple steps, it will make an enormous contribution to making our society more tolerant, open and colorful. And that’s a nice feeling!

Source used: Regenborgenportal.de, Refinery29.com, Spiegel.de