LGBTQA+ History Month: Here’s how you can be a good Ally.

Thursday, October 1, 2020 LGBTQA+ History Month: Here’s how you can be a good Ally.

October is LGBTQA+ History Month, so now is an excellent opportunity to educate yourself about the rich history of the community. Here are four tips from the university’s LGBTQA+ Center on how to be a good ally this month and into the future.

  1. Uplift the most marginalized in the community.
    A good ally understands and works towards lifting up not only queer voices, but BIPOC queer voices. BIPOC stand for Black, Indigenous and People of Color. BIPOC LGBTQA+ people face more health, housing, employment and access disparities than their white peers. It’s important to understand why this is, and work towards making sure their voices are being heard and their rights are being valued just the same.
  2. Understand the adversity that LGBTQA+ people face.
    Often people think that when marriage equality was passed in 2015, the community stopped experiencing adversity. To be a good ally, it’s important to understand how people’s gender identity and sexuality exist in relation to other social issues. LGBTQA+ people face discrimination in the form of various laws, homophobia from their community or family, and a slew of other things including housing discrimination and employment protection.
  3. Learn and use correct and inclusive language.
    In the LGBTQA+ community, language is everything. It’s important to use the right words and pronouns when referring to someone or describing their gender identity or sexual orientation. Never assume someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation. Ask if you’re unsure and if it’s appropriate.
  4. Actively participate in LGBTQA+ Center events.
    The center is doing a lot of virtual programming throughout the fall and spring semesters. They are putting on fun activities via Zoom and some educational ones as well. RSVP for these events here.

UNL's LGBTQA+ Center is located on the third floor of the Nebraska Union (map) and is a resource for all students, staff, instructors, and faculty - regardless of their sexual orientation and identity. Due to COVID-19 precautions, the center is currently not accepting drop-in foot traffic. Individuals wanting to talk with the center's staff should email lgbtqa@unl.edu to set up a time to visit via phone or Zoom.


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