How To Support The LGBTQIA2S+ Community
It takes more than simply acceptance to support the LGBTQIA2S+ community - active allyship and activism are also necessary! The individuals in this community have had a relatively difficult time in human history just because of the way they choose to live and/or identify.
What can you do to further support the community?
Educate Yourself
The first step is to understand the variety of identities that make up this community, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, and other gender and sexual minorities. You can promote respect and empathy by being knowledgeable about these identities and the particular struggles that each community faces. A portion of this education ought to cover the history of the LGBTQIA2S+ rights movement, as well as important personalities, historical events, and current equality fights. Myths and preconceptions can be debunked by knowledge, therefore, seeking the truth helps make you a more useful ally.
Create a Supportive Environment and Offer Comfort
Encouraging inclusivity is essential for the welfare of LGBTQIA2S+ people. This includes making public areas, workplaces, and schools secure and inviting. It’s important to help establish policies that forbid discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation first. These regulations offer a framework for shielding LGBTQIA2S+ people from prejudice and harassment. Moreover, it is vital to utilize vocabulary that is inclusive. Until someone's chosen pronouns are known, respect their names and pronouns. When in doubt, use "they" or "them." People's sense of respect and value can be greatly impacted by even small language tweaks. Whenever homophobic, transphobic, or biphobic comments or actions arise, they must also be addressed in order to be inclusive.
The mental health and general well-being of people depends heavily on social and emotional support. Sometimes, it might be really helpful to just listen! Encouraging people to express themselves in a safe setting is crucial. To help them connect with others who have similar experiences, encourage them to join LGBTQIA2S+ groups and events. Strong feelings of belonging and community can result from these relationships. Respect their privacy and allow them to determine when to reveal their identity to others if they come out to you. It can also be incredibly reassuring to celebrate victories and show pride in who they are.
Advocate for Change
Creating safe spaces is only one aspect of providing support; another is pushing for structural change. Advocate for laws that safeguard the rights of LGBTQIA2S+ people, including those that have to do with access to healthcare, anti-discrimination and more. Increasing the voices of LGBTQIA2S+ people is another way to advocate, especially for those who belong to underrepresented groups in the community, such as transgender people and people of colour. Make use of your platform to promote equality and raise awareness, whether it be at work, on social media, or in community groups. You can provide monetary support to the LGBTQIA2S+ community by assisting companies, artists, and groups. Also discuss the value of LGBTQIA+ rights in talks with your loved ones, friends, and coworkers, and urge them to join you in becoming allies.
LGBTQIA2S+ Youth
LGBTQIA+ youth frequently experience certain difficulties, such as increased rates of homelessness, mental health disorders, and bullying. It is important to establish strong support networks for adolescents. As a community, we need to make sure that schools have procedures and policies in place to shield LGBTQIA2S+ children from prejudice and bullying. Family support is especially important since it greatly increases the mental health and general well being of LGBTQIA2S+ children whose families embrace and comfort them.
If you or someone you hold dear is battling with issues with self-identity, bullying, or any others that sometimes arise within the community, please feel free to reach out!
