Being an Ally Means Taking Action
Being an ally isn’t just about being okay with gay people—it’s about actively working to ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals have the same rights, dignities, and freedoms as cisgender, heterosexual people. In today’s polarized political climate, this means standing up, speaking out, and taking action when our rights are under threat.
If you think losing LGBTQ+ rights can’t happen in Canada, think again. Our neighbors in the U.S. thought the same thing, and now we’re seeing rollbacks in trans healthcare, book bans, and even discussions about restricting marriage equality. We cannot be complacent.
Every election brings a renewed fear for many in the LGBTQ+ community. Some political parties actively campaign on reducing queer rights, rolling back protections, and restricting gender-affirming care. Regardless of how much we might agree with a party on other issues, we must recognize that parties that threaten LGBTQ+ rights are not viable options for us. If we are to truly stand in solidarity, we must vote with our queer friends, family, and neighbors in mind.
10 Ways to Be a True Ally
- Educate Yourself & Others
- Read about LGBTQ+ history, rights, and issues.
- Follow LGBTQ+ activists and organizations on social media.
- Have conversations with friends and family about LGBTQ+ issues.
- Use Your Voice
- Speak up when you hear homophobic or transphobic remarks.
- Advocate for inclusive policies at your workplace, school, and community.
- Write to elected officials demanding protections for LGBTQ+ people.
- Respect Pronouns & Identities
- Use people’s correct names and pronouns.
- Normalize sharing your own pronouns.
- If you make a mistake, correct yourself and move on.
- Vote with LGBTQ+ Rights in Mind
- Research candidates and their stances on LGBTQ+ rights.
- Support politicians and policies that protect queer and trans people.
- Encourage others to vote with LGBTQ+ rights as a priority.
- Support LGBTQ+ Organizations & Businesses
- Donate to LGBTQ+ charities like Rainbow Railroad or local queer shelters.
- Shop at LGBTQ+-owned businesses.
- Avoid corporations that fund anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
- Create Safe Spaces
- Make your home, workplace, and social spaces welcoming to LGBTQ+ people.
- Encourage inclusive policies at work and in schools.
- Be mindful of how your actions impact LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Acknowledge Your Privilege & Biases
- Recognize the advantages of being cisgender or straight.
- Use your privilege to amplify LGBTQ+ voices.
- Challenge your own biases and assumptions.
- Show Up & Support
- Attend Pride events, protests, and vigils.
- Support LGBTQ+ people in your personal and professional life.
- Celebrate LGBTQ+ joy, not just struggles.
- Be Open to Growth & Criticism
- If an LGBTQ+ person corrects you, listen and learn.
- Recognize that allyship is an ongoing journey, not a one-time act.
- Stay committed to improving and doing better.
- Normalize LGBTQ+ Representation
- Watch, read, and share media with positive LGBTQ+ representation.
- Support inclusive education and comprehensive sex ed.
- Make LGBTQ+ stories a part of everyday conversations.
Allyship is more than words—it’s consistent action. Stand with us, speak up, and fight for a future where LGBTQ+ people don’t have to fear for their rights. We need you in this fight.