Gender and Sexuality: How can I show up as an Ally?

Sergio Eduardo Saavedra
La Chicana
Josie Carmona
10/19/2019

Take Action as an Ally: Do’s & Don’ts

This is a weird kind of sexuality because some people are different that we live now, but we must understand the kind of people who they and we are, actually, because there are kind of people who can be very emotional for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people. It can be exciting or provide a tremendous sense of relief, but it also carries the risk of rejection, discrimination, harassment or even physical violence. A person who is coming out may experience a roller coaster combination of joy, fear, self-confidence, vulnerability, pride or anxiety. From the movie, for example, relates about one guy who was born like a girl, as genetic problem by his/her mother. But that is how some people like to be.

So, we need to know some things like do and don't

Do:

•  Listen to what he, she, or they have to say and let them set the tone of the conversation.
• Ask appropriate questions.
• Be honest when you don't understand.
• Remember the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Ask about confidentiality and reassure them of your confidence.
• Thank them for trusting you.
• Treat them the same.
• Introduce them to your friends and peers that are LGBTQ.
• Offer to walk with them.

Don't:

• Rush them or "fill in the blanks".
• Ask about the person's sex life or STI/HIV status.
• Use slang terms or offensive language.
• Answer "I'm LGBTQ" with "Well, duh!".
• Take it personally, or assume this means that he/she has a crush on you.
• Bring up politics or religion, offer unsolicited advice or make rash decisions.
• Try to instantly hook them up with your other LGBTQ friend or out them to others.
• Tell them they sound go to counseling.

These are the keys to respect other people who are sexuals, gays, lesbians, etc.

Also, there are ten ways to become ally with the LGBTQ people as to help them.

1. Be a listener.
2. open-minded.
3. Be willing to talk.
4. Be inclusive and invite LGBTQIA+ friends to hang out with your friends and family.
5. Don’t assume that all your friends and co-workers are straight. Someone close to you could be looking for support in their coming-out process. Not making assumptions will give them the space they need.
6. Homophobic comments and jokes are harmful. Let your friends, family and co-workers know that you find them offensive.
7. Confront your own prejudices and homophobia, even if it is uncomfortable to do so.
8. Defend your LGBTQIA+ friends against discrimination.
9. Believe that all people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect.
10. If you see LGBTQIA+ people being misrepresented in the media, contact the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation at glaad.org.

Including those that you can take them as action ways

• Become a Safe Zone member.

• Join InQueery

• Stand up for LGBTQIA+ friends and associates

• Be active in speaking about being a LGBTQIA+ ally

• Come show support at any LGBTQIA+ sponsored event

• Take the LGBTQ & Allies Peer education class

• Come to LGBTea every Thursday

• Participate or volunteer during Queertober

In conclusion, everybody should understand the difference between each other because we need to undersand what we are and what we suppose to be, the problem of sexuality, because we may affect the life on us, helping each other from love, respect, kindness, different sex, attitude, and behavior.

Perry, Amanda. Gender and Sexuality StudentServices "Take Action as an Ally", "Do & Don't".
 https://www.uis.edu/gendersexualitystudentservices/students/ally-guide-uis/take-action-as-an-ally/.
https://www.uis.edu/gendersexualitystudentservices/students/ally-guide-uis/ally-guide-uis-dos-donts/