How to be an LGBQIA+ Ally outside of PRIDE month

Pride month has officially come to a close, but this does not mean the fight is over. With over 466 laws against the LGBTQIA+ community, support is needed now more than ever.

How can you help outside of pride month? Here are some tips:

Tip #1 - Get Educated

Every culture has its differences and similarities, it is about how we educate ourselves on those cultures that count. The LGBTQIA+ community has been under the attack with an increase in anti-LGBTQIA+ incidents by 12 times compared to 2020. Get educated on the facts and learn what your LGBTQIA+ family and friends are enduring.

Tip #2 - Feel Uncomfortable

Open up the conversation with something you don't understand, it may make you uncomfortable, but the more you learn, the more comfortable you will feel. Take the time to ask questions, many LGBTQIA+ community members will be happy to answer them.

"The more you seek the uncomfortable, the more you will become comfortable." – Conor McGregor

Tip #3 - Support LGBTQIA+ Businesses and Non-Profits

There are many small businesses that need your support, there are also numerous non-profits that support and work with the LGBTQIA+ community through the year. Find a business or non profit that is in line with your vision or teaches you about the LGBTQIA+ community.

Tip #4 - Call your representatives

As stated, above there are many policies and laws that are discriminatory towards the LGBQIA+ community. Call your representative and express your concerns.

Tip #5 - Create Safe Spaces

Create a kind, safe space, first in your home. This allows friends and family to be their true authentic selves. Secondly, create a safe space within your place of employment, ask if healthcare covers LGBTQIA+ specialty needs such as fertility treatment and gender-affirming surgery. Encourage the use of signature emails with pronoun signatures. Not only will this create a diverse and happy work group, it will also encourage a diverse customer base.

Most of all- treat people with kindness and love

Being an ally can be done through many different approaches, but the most important thing is to treat people with kindness and love.