Many in the LGBTQ+ community face challenges and prejudices every day. They may find it hard to feel understood, appreciated and supported. All of which can take a serious toll on mental and emotional health. Fortunately, there are ways we can reach out and help. This includes being an ally.

An LGBTQ+ ally is someone who supports and advocates for LGBTQ+ people. Your actions will help LGBTQ+ friends, family and co-workers feel understood and supported. And by working to end prejudice and discrimination, you’ll be helping create a safer and more respectful world, for everyone.

6 ways to be an ally

Show your support
Be open with your support. If someone says or does something offensive, speak up and address it. Encourage respect and dignity for all people.
Create a safe space to talk
Invite open conversations. Listen and show respect. If you are a parent, talk with and listen to your children about sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Talk about steps they can take to avoid unsafe situations, including topics about sex and sexually transmitted diseases.
Keep learning
Learn and use the language. (See LGBTQ+ Terminology Guide) Take advantage of resources online and in your community. Stay informed about the LGBTQ+ community, the challenges it faces, and ways you can promote awareness and support.
Know and follow a person's preference
Don't assume. You can't tell someone's sexual orientation or gender identity by looking at them. If you don't know a person's pronoun, ask. Also, respect and keep their confidences. It isn't your role to ask about – or tell others about – another person's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
Be aware of your own biases
We all have biases. That's because our brains create categories to make sense of the world. Here are some examples of common thinking that can lead to bias:

You like people most like you
You prefer information that supports your opinions and beliefs
You assume things based on appearances and first impressions
You gravitate toward things and ideas you already know you like and are interested in

The good news is, we are not trapped by our biases. With self-awareness and effort, we can change the way we think and act.

Accept mistakes and learn from them
Everyone makes mistakes. Even with the best intentions, we can slip-up or hurt a person’s feelings. So, for example, if you call someone by the wrong pronoun, simply take responsibility and apologize. The important thing is to learn from it, and to do better next time.

Sources:

The Trevor Project. Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People. Accessed May 15, 2024.

GLAAD. Tips for Allies of Transgender People. Accessed May 15, 2024.

Youth Engaged 4 Change. Being an Ally to LGBT People. Accessed May 15, 2024.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Gay and bisexual men’s health: Stigma and discrimination. Accessed May 15, 2024.

6 ways to be an LGBTQ+ Ally

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