Be their, be supportive

In this day and age their are many people in the LGBTQ+ Community lack support in the community. Many of them may experience bulling, harrasment, verbal insults, etc. and as such can feel disconnected from the world at large. It is impotant to show them that they matter to you as much as anyone else and that you will stand up for them. Being their can be one of the best things you can ever do as an ally. 

 

Recognize and use their prefered terms

 

For many in the LGBTQ+ Community; terms they go by are not as simple as Straight, Gay, He, She, etc. The range of terms with in the LGBTQ+ Community is very wide. When you find out what terms a person prefers to be addressed with, identified as, etc. it is very important to use those terms. You should never assume what someones tersms/idenitiy within the LGBQ+ Community and you should never try to assume a persons gender idenity. Try using the persons name or gender netrual pronouns until you know otherwise. 

 

 

Be Careful with the term Queer

Using the word Queer can be a very touchy word depending on the situation and the person. Some people like/identify with the word queer where as others hate the word because it associates them to the negative ideas people have created. It is good practice to avoid using the word queer unless you know it is safe.  

 

Stay informed

Make sure you try to stay as up-to-date on what is going on in regaruds to anything related to the LGBTQ+ Community including yours state laws. Knowledge can most definitly be power!

 

Support equally

It is important to support every one equally and not have a preference betwenen the fdifferent sexualities, romatnic idenities, or gender ideniteis.