7 Ways To Be a Better Ally
Despite significant progress in the past 20 years, people of diverse genders, sex and sexualities still experience stigma, discrimination and violence in many areas that negatively impact their health and wellbeing.
In 2019, the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University, with support from Rainbow Health Victoria and Rainbow Network, conducted the largest ever study on the experiences of LGBTQA+ young people in Australia. The study looked at the experiences of LGBTQA+ people aged 14-21 with regards to education, homelessness, harassment, assault, mental health, community connections and more.
The study found that 61% of participants reported experiencing verbal homophobic abuse, 18% reported physical homophobic abuse; and 80% of respondents experienced the reported abuse at school.
Listen to what the findings mean for the participants.
Read a summary of the report here.
View a snapshot of key statistics from other research on our website here.
Why do we need allies?
We can't fix everything on our own, but collectively we can make a difference by moving hearts and minds. Allies, in particular, can use their voice and privilege to drive positive change in the community. As straight and cisgender people, allies have the capacity to:
Have different conversations;
Access different spaces;
Deliver a message more effectively.
There are more straight and cisgender people in the world. Allies can help shape the narrative and influence the "movable middle" in a more powerful way.
Here are seven simple ways you can be a better ally to LGBTIQ+ people.
Educate yourself
Learn about the LGBTIQ+ community. Talk to people who identify as LGBTIQ+, read books and online resources, listen to podcasts, watch a Ted talk, visit businesses or organisations run by people from the community.
LISTEN
Actively listen and understand the issues that are important to the LGBTIQ+ community. Immerse yourself in their world and get a sense of what it's like to live in their shoes.
Support your LGBTIQ+ family
Check-in with your LGBTIQ+ mates after a horrible news day. Let them know that you stand with them through your actions, big and small.
Recognise your privilege
There are more of you. Your voice and visibility as an ally are a lot more powerful than you think. Recognise your privilege and use it for good.
Consider pronouns
Using a person’s correct pronouns is a way to respect and affirm their gender identity. Always use the pronouns and names of people want you to use. If you’re not sure, just ask.
Speak up
Call out anti-LGBTIQ behaviour when you see it. Speak up when you see someone being harassed or ridiculed because of their LGBTIQ identity.
BE VISIBLE
Make it known publicly and proudly that you welcome and support the LGBTIQ+ community. Being visible about being an ally is a simple but powerful act on its own. And one of the best ways to be an ally is to celebrate your LGBTIQ+ friends, family and colleagues. Embrace them and celebrate their diversity. Make it known that you value them and that there is much to be learned from their experiences. Here are some events you can be a part of:
Interested in 101 training for your organisation?
Check out our LGBTIQA+ 101 Training program called “Working with Rainbow Communities”.
