Nicole Che
MCP, MD, Registered Clinical Counsellor #20915
3 Essential Principles for Meaningful Support
Pride Month celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with parades, parties, and festivities. However, it’s crucial to remember that the path to this celebration was not always joyful. Many LGBTQ+ individuals still face discrimination, victimization, and stigmatization, leading to emotional distress, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and low self-esteem.
The fight for LGBTQ+ rights began with brave community members and grew to include supporters known as “allies.” Today, the terms “ally” and “allyship” are ubiquitous, from corporate websites to social media profiles. But what does being an ally truly entail?
Research shows that effective allyship involves three main principles: acceptance, action, and humility.
Acceptance
Acceptance is the foundation of LGBTQ+ allyship. It means taking steps to help community members feel supported, safe, and valid. Ways to demonstrate acceptance include:
- Using someone’s expressed pronouns
- Being inclusive when planning social gatherings
- Showing curiosity about people’s experiences and listening attentively
Action
Action makes acceptance meaningful. It involves advocating for the LGBTQ+ community by:
- Challenging discriminatory workplace practices
- Raising awareness through activism
- Addressing oppressive systemic patterns
If you’re unsure where to start, educate yourself through discussions with community members, books by LGBTQ+ authors, and relevant podcasts. Other ways to take action include:
- Initiating conversations about LGBTQ+ issues with family and friends
- Volunteering with LGBTQ+ organizations
- Addressing inequalities through letter-writing campaigns or attending rallies and marches
Humility
Humility, often undervalued, involves setting aside personal assumptions, beliefs, and agendas to truly listen to LGBTQ+ individuals’ stories, struggles, and victories. It allows for open conversations where you can acknowledge mistakes and learn how to avoid causing harm in the future.
Keep in mind:
- Making mistakes is part of the allyship journey
- Focus on genuine listening rather than promoting personal beliefs
- Continuously examine your biases and build self-awareness around assumptions
Supporting marginalized individuals can be emotionally challenging. If you’re struggling to find your place as an ally or need help processing self-reflections, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Brentwood Counselling Centre, and we will guide you in becoming the best ally possible.
