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Becoming
an Ally
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The Four Basic Steps to Becoming an Ally
- Awareness: Explore
how you are different and similar to gay, lesbian, and bisexual
people. Gain this awareness through talking with gay, lesbian,
and bisexual people, attending workshops, and self-examination.
- Knowledge/Education:
Begin to understand policies, laws, and practices and how they affect
gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. Educate yourself on the many
communities and cultures of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people.
- Skills: This is an area that is difficult for many
people. You must learn to take awareness and knowledge and
communicate it to others. You can acquire these skills by
attending workshops, role playing with friends or peers, and
developing support connections.
- Action:
This is the most important and frightening step. Despite the fears,
action is the only way to effect change in the society as a whole.
Five Other Points to Keep in Mind
- Have a good understanding of sexual
orientation and be comfortable with your own.
- Be aware of the coming out process and
realize that it is not a one-time event. The coming out process
is unique to gay, lesbian, and bisexual people and brings challenges that
are not often understood.
- Understand that gay, lesbian, and bisexual
people receive the same messages about homosexuality and bisexuality
as everyone else. Thus, gay, lesbian, and bisexual people suffer
from internalized homophobia and heterosexism. It is important
to recognize the risks of coming out and to challenge the internal
oppression.
- Remember that gay, lesbian, and bisexual
people are a diverse group. Each community within the larger
gay, lesbian, and bisexual community has unique needs and goals.
- Know at least basic information about
HIV/AIDS in order to address myths and misinformation and to be
supportive of those affected by this disease whether in themselves or
in partners and friends. While HIV/AIDS is a health issue for
all, those who live with the most fear and have lost the most members
of their community are gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons.
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