Why being an ally matters now more than ever, and how to be awesome at it
Dr Dino Willox
(they/them/their)
Ally Executive Champion, Director of Student Employability, and UQ Senate Member
Tamma Sorbello
(she/her, or they/them)
Service Development Senior Lead
UQ Student Services
Pride Month (1–30 June) is about celebrating, and with good reason. But it’s also important to continue to reflect on the ongoing challenges facing LGBTQIA+ communities and to remember that there is still more to be done.
Many countries still criminalise same-sex relationships and discriminate against LGBTQIA+ individuals. In countries where progress has been made, including the United States and the United Kingdom, there are challenges to queer rights, with laws enacted that target and attempt to erase some of our most vulnerable people.
These laws attempt to remove dignity, healthcare, bodily autonomy, and even visibility of queer people. They also embolden hate speech and violence against already marginalised groups. Transgender individuals, especially trans people of colour, are often subject to disproportionate levels of discrimination and violence.
While these legal attacks currently focus primarily on trans and gender-diverse people, and those who visibly transgress gender norms such as drag performers, history shows that if such efforts are successful then targets rapidly become broader.
All is not lost, however, as these attacks have also created a groundswell of support and solidarity.
With committed allies working alongside the LGBTQIA+ communities, we can and will effect positive change that makes everybody safer, healthier, and more free to thrive.
How can you be an awesome ally? First, understand that your voice is more powerful than someone who experiences systemic and intersectional disadvantage. We all have more power than we realise; even within the LGBTQIA+ communities there are stratifications of power – and with power, comes opportunity. So, look for your opportunities to be active and use your voice to create space for others to speak.
5 practical ways to be an awesome ally
1. Educate yourself
Stay up to date with LGBTQIA+ terminology, issues, and history. Read books, articles, and online resources written by LGBTQIA+ authors. By raising awareness and challenging stereotypes, allies can foster greater understanding and empathy in their communities. Listen attentively to the stories and experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Respect and value their lived experiences.
2. Amplify voices
Share and promote the work of LGBTQIA+ artists, activists, and organisations. Use your platforms – whether through social media, discussions with friends and family, or public events – to amplify their voices and spread awareness.
3. Create inclusive spaces
Foster an environment of acceptance and inclusion in your own social circles, workplace or community. Encourage diversity training and support LGBTQIA+ inclusion initiatives. Stay open to feedback and learn from your mistakes.
4. Be active
Speak up when you see exclusionary or discriminatory behaviour. Stand up for LGBTQIA+ individuals when you witness or hear about any form of harassment, bullying, or unfair treatment. Correct others if they use inappropriate language.
5. Consider intersectionality
Understand that the LGBTQIA+ communities encompass individuals with diverse backgrounds, including race, ethnicity, religion, and disability, who may face multiple forms of discrimination and marginalisation. Being an ally aligns with the broader principles of human rights and equality. Consider these intersections and be an ally across different communities.
New UQ Pride merch
To coincide with Pride Month, UQ is releasing a new range of merch! The new UQ Pride range raises money for the UQ LGBTQIA+ Bursary to support UQ students of diverse genders, sexes and sexualities experiencing financial hardship during their studies. Merch goes on sale at UQ Print from Thursday 1 June.
Built with Shorthand