Being kind and supportive

June is here, which can only mean one thing...it's Pride Month!

Being a good ally during Pride Month and throughout the year means taking actionable steps to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. It includes self-education and using inclusive language.

Here are a few ways you can be a good ally all year round!

1. Educate yourself

🧠 Learn the history: Understand the roots of Pride Month by reading about the 1969 Stonewall Riots in the U.S and the broader fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

🧠 Take the lead: Don't rely on LGBTQ+ friends or colleagues to explain queer history, terminology or current issues. Take time out of your day to research and learn.

🧠 Stay informed: Keep up with current challenges by reading reliable LGBTQ+ publications or following advocacy organisations like Out in Cov.

2. Support and Advocate

❤️ Donate and volunteer: Support LGBTQ+ charities, mutual aid funds, or community centres. Look into smaller, local organisations that rely heavily on grassroots funding (funded by a larger number of individuals or locals).

❤️ Support queer-owned businesses: Intentionally spend money at LGBTQ+ owned small businesses, restaurants and bars - not just in June, but all year round!

3. Speak up and challenge conversations

• Call out homophobic, biphobic or transphobic language or "jokes" made by peers, colleagues, or friends.
• Support inclusive policies in your workplace, school, or local area to help build environments where LGBTQ+ people feel safe.

4. Embrace Authenticity

🌈 Accept your mistakes: You may slip up or use the wrong language. When this happens, apologise sincerely, correct yourself and move on. It happens, but it's important to remember that you can't become careless with it - these are people's identities.

🌈 Avoid making assumptions: Never assume someone's sexual orientation, gender identity, or pronouns based on their appearance. Respect the labels people use for themselves.

🌈 Maintain confidentiality: Coming out is deeply personal. Never "out" someone to others unless you know they are entirely comfortable with it.

Allyship extends beyond 30th June. Keep reading, researching and learning to support the LGBTQ+ community and speak up for equality! 🏳️‍🌈