How To Be A True LGBTQ+ Ally

When I was in the USA, Pride Month was highly celebrated in the West Coast, at least where I went and it's in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. Brands and establishments were waving the Pride flag loud and proud and almost all brands have their own exclusive Pride collections; and the celebration was not only limited to parades, parties, and products-like in Balboa Park, San Diego, there were exhibits and programs that celebrate the movement and strides it has made over the years; prominent members of the LGBTQ+ community held talks on community- related issues, public awareness and education, and to advance their cause because even if it seems that the LGBTQ+ are now free in society, the struggle is still there, especially in underserved communities. Come to think of it, if the LGBTQ+ are truly free, how come we still need safe spaces and LGBTQ+- friendly establishments?

Unfortunately, there are still people who don't authentically support the LGBTQ+; they support them when it's only convenient like when they're making them laugh and brightening up their day, but when it comes to supporting their rights such as the SOGIE bill and Same Sex Union bill, they turn the other cheek. 

Unfortunately as well, there are brands who only support the LGBTQ+ during the Pride Month because it's a great marketing and PR activity, but after the celebration, the support stops; there are companies who proclaim that they support the LGBTQ+ during the celebration, but within the organization, the LGBTQ+ are not safe, passed for promotions, not hired in important positions, or not hired at all; there's no great example of Pink Capitalism than this.

Society still has a long way to go when it comes to fully accepting the LGBTQ+: from their choice of gender, people they want to love, and causes that are important to them, but nothing can't be solved with education. Pride Month may be over, but the journey and support must not stop there. Here are ways to genuinely support the LGBTQ+ community and become a true ally not only of theirs, but of a better society as well.

1. OPEN YOURSELF UP TO THE EVOLUTION OF SOCIETY

- Understanding the LGBTQ+ community starts from within. I think that most people still have a hard time accepting them because of old notions, beliefs, strict upbringing, and high regard for morality and religiosity. While I understand that for most, this is a huge leap and diversion for what they have always believed in, we have to understand as well that society has evolved greatly already. An open mind is the first step. 

For the record, I am not forcing anyone to forego their beliefs.

2. EDUCATE YOURSELF

- There are many resources online relating to the LGBTQ+ from technical information such as what the abbreviations stand for, description of each, their advocacies, causes, and etiquette. Read up on articles regarding these to inform your actions and enrich your perspective towards their community.

3. JUST ASK

- Believe it or not, the LGBTQ+ don't mind when you ask them questions regarding their community because it shows that you want to understand them and it's also their opportunity to advance their causes. But always remember to be respectful and don't ask lewd or too personal questions that even your straight friends wouldn't answer.

4. LET THEM FEEL YOUR SUPPORT

- LGBTQ+ members can be quite high strung or unwilling to talk for fear of rejection, ridicule, dismissal, and judgment.

If you feel that an LGBTQ+ friend or relative is going through something, make them feel that you are willing to listen and it's safe for them to open up to you. But if you think that you're not the right person to hear them out or if you're still holding on to certain beliefs that don't agree with the LGBTQ+ lifestyle, then let them know and please, don't make them open up just because you're curious, but can't help anyway.

5. SUPPORT LGBTQ+- FOUNDED BUSINESSES

- LGBTQ+s are discriminated from good paying jobs-that's a fact; and maybe this is why a lot of LGBTQ+s are entrepreneurial in nature.

Show your support by patronizing their businesses and telling your friends about it.

6. SUPPORT BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT LGBTQ+ CHARITIES

- There are businesses and companies who actively support organizations and havens for LGBTQ+ people who are underserved, have suffered from abuse, rescued, and discriminated. Show your support through donations and volunteering.

7. BE SENSITIVE

- We're all guilty of using the words "bakla" or "tomboy" as insults when we were younger. It's time to change that; these terms are actually people and their gender should not be used as insult. This kind of behavior contributes to the impediment of the progress of the LGBTQ+'s core advocacy, which is equality.

8. ADDRESS THEM PROPERLY

- For example, your Trans-Woman friend wants to be referred to as a SHE; your Trans-Man friend wants to be referred to as a HE. Addressing them with the gender/group they identify themselves with means so much to them so make it a habit to keep on referring to your LGBTQ+ friends, relatives, and acquaintances the right way. I admit that sometimes, I still confuse terms, but I am learning and don't worry, they won't scold or get mad at you when you address them incorrectly; most of them would either let it pass knowing that equality is still a struggle while some will gently educate you, but think before you speak--always.

9. REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY

- LGBTQ+ members living in poverty or below poverty are the most vulnerable to abuse, discrimination, crime, abuse, and exploitation. Find out how you can bridge the gap between them and opportunities by becoming proactive: volunteer to teach in communities and organizations, share your voice, expertise, and connections to groups that need advise, ideas, and support, or simply share relevant news and positive articles on social media to help fight prejudice, discrimination, and abuse.

If you have a business, you can start reaching out in your own way: employ members from the LGBTQ+ community and make them feel safe and heard in your company.

Do you have any ideas on how to be a true ally of the LGBTQ+ community?