What is an ally?
An ally uses their privilege to stand in solidarity with, advocate for, and lift up members of an oppressed community such as the LGBTQIA community. A member of the LGBTQIA community can be an ally as well. "Ally" is a verb, NOT an identity - allies are continuously striving to self-educate and advocate to better help, lift, and understand the communities they support. Your actions will make it clear that you are an ally.
Example 1: A heterosexual, cisgender person may be an ally to the LGBTQIA community.
Example 2: A member of the bisexual community may be an ally to the transgender community.
Example 3: A male may be an ally to females.
Example 4: An able-bodied person may be an ally to the disabled community.
Example 5: A white person may be an ally to POC.
*See "Terms and Definitions" under our "Resources" tab for more information on the terms used above.
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hOW CAN WE PRACTICE ALLYSHIP in athletics and beyond?
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BE HONEST
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Be honest about your own prejudice and bias, challenge and confront them (see: internalized homophobia)
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BE AWARE
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Of anti-LGBTQIA comments and jokes​
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Of spaces that may or may not be safe for your LGBTQIA friends​
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BE ACTIVE:
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Defend your LGBTQIA friends against discrimination
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Shut down homophobic/transphobic comments and language in a calm manner
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Educate yourself on the LGBTQIA community
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If you see the LGBTQIA community being misrepresented in media report it
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BE RESPECTFUL:
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Be a listener, be open-minded, be willing to talk
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Believe that all people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect
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Be inclusive
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Things to avoid:
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Don’t force your allyship on folks - your actions will speak for themselves.
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Don’t say “but I’m an ally” to excuse your actions/words.
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Don’t proclaim yourself as an ally. It’s not an identity, it is something to constantly strive towards.
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Don’t assume you know everything. Be open to criticism and growth.
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Don’t ask personal questions to people in the LGBTQIA community; be proactive about self-educating.
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Don’t culturally appropriate the LGBTQIA community as a way to “support” it or gain attention; this is especially important to note during Pride Month activities and festivities.
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Understand that you will make mistakes! Remember, it is better to TRY, and make mistakes than to not try at all. If necessary, apologize, then learn, listen and move on. Keep making the effort and encouraging others to be their whole selves, and you will be well on your way to allyship.