How To Be An Awesome Ally To The LGBTQIA+ Community This Pride Month And Beyond
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June is not just another month in the calendar. It is the month that we all celebrate love, acceptance, and diversity. It's Pride Month! It's the month where the LGBTQIA+ community comes together to celebrate their identities, remember their fallen loved ones, and reinvigorate their fight for equal rights. However, Pride Month should not be the only month where we support and celebrate our LGBTQIA+ friends and family members. We should be allies all year round, standing up against homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. In this blog post, we will explore how you can support the LGBTQIA+ community not just in June but throughout the year.
1. Educate Yourself
The first step towards supporting the LGBTQIA+ community is to educate yourself. There are a lot of myths and stereotypes about the community that are often perpetuated through media and pop culture. Take the time to educate yourself about the community and their issues. Read books by LGBTQIA+ authors, watch movies featuring LGBTQIA+ characters, and follow LGBTQIA+ influencers on social media. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the community, their experiences, and the challenges they face.
2. Use Gender-Inclusive Language
Using gender-inclusive language is essential when it comes to supporting the LGBTQIA+ community. Using gender-neutral pronouns such as "they/them" when referring to someone whose gender you're unsure of can help create a more inclusive environment. Avoid using words like "gay" or "queer" as an insult, and don't assume someone's sexuality or gender identity based on their outward appearance
3. Speak Out Against Discrimination
Discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community is still prevalent in society, whether it's blatant homophobia or more subtle microaggressions. As an ally, it's your responsibility to speak out against any form of discrimination. It can be as simple as calling out a friend who makes an offensive joke or standing up against discriminatory policies at work. Your voice matters, and speaking out can help create a more inclusive and accepting environment.
4. Support LGBTQIA+
Businesses Supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses is a great way to support the community financially. Look for businesses that are owned and operated by members of the community, and make a conscious effort to support them. From restaurants and bars to clothing stores and beauty brands, there are plenty of LGBTQIA+ businesses to choose from. By supporting these businesses, you're not only helping the community thrive economically, but you're also showing your support for their identities and experiences
5. Attend LGBTQIA+ Events
Attending LGBTQIA+ events is one of the best ways to show your support for the community. From Pride parades to community gatherings, there are plenty of events to attend throughout the year. By showing up to these events, you're showing the community that you see them, you hear them, and you're there for them. You're also sending a message to others that the LGBTQIA+ community is an important and accepted part of society.
Support Shouldn't Be Just Flag Waving
Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community goes beyond hanging up a rainbow flag during Pride Month. It's about being a true ally all year round. It's about educating yourself, using gender-inclusive language, speaking out against discrimination, supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses, and attending their events. Remember, the LGBTQIA+ community is not looking for special treatment; they're looking for acceptance and equality. As an ally, it's our responsibility to stand with them and work towards a more inclusive future. Let's keep the celebrations going throughout the year and beyond!
We're Raising Money For LGBTQIA+ Charity Stonewall
We are proud to announce that this year, we will be donating 20% of all sales from our rainbow jewellery collection to Stonewall, a charity that campaigns for the rights of LGBTQ+ people. By purchasing any item from our rainbow jewellery collection, you are not only adding a splash of colour to your outfit but also contributing to a great cause. We believe that everyone deserves to live their lives free from discrimination and we want to do our part to help make that happen. Thank you for supporting us and joining us on this journey towards equality for all.
