Going Beyond Performative Allyship And Showing True Support During June's Pride Month

At the start of every June, we see rainbow flags everywhere. During this whole month, we celebrate, take pride, and honor for the lives in the LGBTQIA+ community.

Pride month, like Black History Month or Woman's History Month is more than just a celebration. It's a learning period for the nation to be aware of the troubles, setbacks, and discrimination that people in these communities still face. It's a testament to everything that past generations have gone through, as well.

There is so much more to Pride month than just being a show of the rainbow colors.

People will say that they are an ally to this community. And, there is no doubt that they are. Sometimes, though, this allyship is just performative or on the surface.

To be a true ally, it needs to go deeper and stronger than just a temporary social media photo displaying a flag or a quote post from someone prominent in the community.

Here are ways that someone can show true allyship. Not just during pride month, but all year round.

For Many People This Is Their Lives

Awareness is important and the LGBTQIA+ community deserves all of that and more. But for them, the awareness into the struggles of just trying to exist in a world that pushes against them, goes beyond the month of June.

To begin being a true ally, you should show support all year round. Not just during this month. Because while what this month means to so many becomes just a passing memory for you after it's over - the lives of those who identify as LGBTQIA+ continue on.

So remember while the world moves on to a new month and new cause, many are still out there fighting for just the basic right exist.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

Words are important. We all know how badly they can hurt. But words aren't the only thing that is important - actions are too.

To be a true ally, you have to let your behavior and actions represent that you are saying you are an ally. You don't have to start off big or even do anything big, every small action has a ripple effect. If you see someone or hear something homophobic in nature, don't just sit idly by. When you something is wrong then you should have no problem speaking out. That can be tough when it's someone in your family, but you can go about it in a tactful way.

You can also donate every few months or so to a local or national organization that supports the LGBTQIA+ community.

Stay Informed

Awareness should not be important only during a month with a cause dedicated to it. That's not the point of these awareness of months. All year round, these causes need support and knowledge spread. So periodically, make sure you are staying up to date on what you can do to help. 

Even if it is just showing support for your friend, it can make all of the difference in the world. Ask how you can be there for them or what you can do to ease the weight they often feel. A lot of times, people within the LGBTQIA+ community fear discrimination or rejection so they don't open up.

And that is why being a true ally is so important. Because when you let your actions speak louder than the words, you are showing the world that you will not back down and accept things when they are not right.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can be a true ally, we encourage you to reach out to us. Anxiety therapy can help you overcome these hurdles and show your true allyship.