Straight Allies Make a Difference
The Four Basic Levels of Becoming an Ally
Awareness: Explore how you are different from and similar to gay, lesbian and bisexual people. Gain this awareness through talking with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, by attending workshops, and through self-examination.
Knowledge/Education: Begin to understand policies, laws and practices and how they affect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Educate yourself on the many communities and cultures of gay, lesbian and bisexual people.
Skills: This is an area that is difficult for many people. You must learn to take your awareness and knowledge and communicate it to others. You can acquire these skills by attending workshops, role-playing with friends or peers, and developing support connections.
Action: This is the most important and frightening step. Despite the fear, action is the only way to cause change in society as a whole.
An Ideal Ally is Someone Who...
- Uses gender neutral terms, such as partner or significant other, instead of gender specific terms like boyfriend or girlfriend
- Doesn’t preface a statement on LGBT issues with “I’m straight, but…”
- Doesn’t expect an LGBT person to speak for the entire LGBT community
- Doesn’t assume
- Treats partners of LGBT friends the same as they would a straight friend’s partner
- Doesn’t think of people as “my gay student” or “my lesbian friend”
- Objects to homophobic jokes in all situations
- Doesn’t tolerate homophobic comments
- Understands the basics of LGBT issues but is not afraid to ask questions
- Points out when a historical figure or author is LGBT and doesn’t dismiss LGBT content in literature
- Avoids stereotypes and makes clear that stereotypes don’t represent the entire LGBT community
Adapted from University of North Carolina’s Division of Student Affairs