In the month of June each year we celebrate Pride. Pride month is to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising which was a landmark moment in the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Pride is in celebration of all LGBTQIA+ individuals. While the month of June is packed with traditions such as parades and events it is important recognize and understand that the true meaning of Pride month is to continue to fight for equality of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
To be a supporter and an ally of LGBTQIA+ individuals you choose to be an active part of their lives every day of the year. Anybody inside or outside of the LGBTQIA+ community can be an ally. An ally is an individual that is supportive and understands that LGBTQIA+ individuals are actively and continually confronted by oppression in their everyday lives. An ally stands with these individuals to confront these conflicts and strive for the overall wellbeing and equality of every individual.
To be an ally a person can do many things but here are a few important ones:
- Be open and accepting of all members of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you do not understand what individuals of this community are facing, then educate yourself.
- Do not assume a person’s sexuality or gender identity based on labels or outward physical appearance. If you do not understand what the letters in LGBTQIA+ stand for educate yourself.
- If a person “comes out” to you be genuinely accepting and thank them for having courage to tell you. Also be mindful of where they are in their journey so that you do not unintentionally out them if they have not told others.
- Hold space for them and their journey but do not think that they do not want to talk about being in the LGBTQIA+ community. Not talking with them about their being open can in turn make their voices quieter.
- Most importantly, your friend or family member may have fears that you will treat them differently now that they are openly a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, they are the same person they were before they came out to you, treat them like you have always treated them.
Here at Middle Path Counseling, we support all LGBTQIA+ individuals, including allies and family members, and we strive to be a place of safety and support for individuals in any part of their journey ALL 12 months of the year.
Here is a list of Additional Resources:
https://saigecounseling.org/public-resources/ – Great resources on pronouns and terminology
HRC.org – advocacy
Glaad.orgpflag.orgGlsen.org – LGBTQIA+ youth
Have more resources? We would love to know more and partner with you!
Middle Path Counseling MO 