08 4 / 2009
What it means…to be a straight ally.
Are you gay? Are you transgender?
Those are questions that I hear pretty frequently, sometimes a little more subtle than that. I can see where people would draw that conclusion. I’m quite vocal about pressing issues like gender and marriage equality and the rights of gays, lesbians, and transgender individuals. I tweet about it, I blog about it, I post to my Facebook. I have gay friends, I am volunteering for PRIDE San Diego, and I’ve marched in protest of Proposition 8. I push issues that some people don’t like to think about or aren’t aware of - things like transgender hate crimes and workplace discrimination.
My own orientations aside, I’m a happy biological woman in a straight relationship with the man of my dreams. The concept of being an ally to the LGBTQ community is a big deal to me. I don’t feel that you have to be homosexual to see a clear civil rights issue that demands attention. I don’t think you have to female to believe in gender equality for women. I don’t think you have to be poor to believe in providing education to under privileged children. You don’t have to own a dog to think that puppy mills are sad. I think you simply have to be an empathic person with an understanding about larger issues that you might not personally be familiar with. A desire to be informed about the world around you and the people in it. A passion for doing what’s right, for reforming a nation that in some regards is so far behind and in need of a serious boot in the head.
Have you heard of a straight ally? The Wikipedia article states:
Straight ally is a colloquial term that describes a heterosexual person who supports equal civil rights, gender equality, and LGBT social movements. Usually, a straight ally is inclusive of various diversity, and may have many gay and lesbian friends.
I’m sure you’ve heard of PFLAG. The Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays is an organization that is comprised of straight allys, working as a part of the movement as an equal. This isn’t a new thing. It’s OKAY to be proud of the LGBT community and be a part of them without people thinking you’re gay. In fact, it’s important. Straight allies are incredibly powerful for the movement.
Do you want to help? Here’s a few things you can do:
- Join or contribute to PFLAG
- Read this PDF “guide to being a straight ally”
- Be informed! There are so many resources on the web about gay, queer, genderqueer, and transgender people. There is a ton to learn!
- Speak up if you hear derogatory slurs. “That’s so gay”.
- Support gay and lesbian owned businesses, and don’t support organizations that promote hate.
- Do you know if your work has a workplace discrimation rule for gays? How about for transgender individuals?
- Tell an LGBT friend that you appreciate them.
- Start an organization in your area!
- Call, write, and email your local lawmakers.
- Order some buttons or bumper stickers that state you’re “Straight for Equality”
