How To Be a Better LGBTQ-Ally Post-Gay Marriage

Fri, 03 Jun 2016 16:53:23 -0400
acceptance, ally, diversity, equality, inclusion, lgbtq

As another follow-up to our recent pilot How to be an Effective Ally workshop series and in recognition of National Pride Month, we thought it would be good to continue the conversation online for those who couldn't join us at one or more of our spring semester workshops. These posts won't be in the same topical order, but we hope you'll still choose to read and comment anyway!

I found the attached article from The Society Pages. It connects to our second workshop topic on allyship to LGBTQ people.

After reading the full article (click link at end of this post), feel free to share your answers to the following questions in the comments box. We look forward to hearing from you!

Please note that our myUMBC group is moderated and off-topic, profane or threatening posts are subject to removal by Student Life staff.

Here's an excerpt of the article to get you started:

How To Be a Better LGBTQ-Ally Post-Gay Marriage

by Joe Marchia on August 14, 2015

Source: thesocietypages.org

When same-sex marriage became legal, there was an outpouring of support for the gay community. Many self-identified straight men and women took the opportunity to vocalize their affirmation of gay identities and gay rights. Keeping in mind, as well, the recent public discourse around Caitlyn Jenner and the transgender community, I found it compelling to compile a list of tips for LGBTQ allies that seek to sustain and improve their support of the community during this time.

It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive, and I cannot speak for the entire LGBTQ community. These tips are merely a guideline for possible new ways for interested parties to continue their support in the post-gay-marriage world. Even the most earnest allies might find themselves lost with how to improve and continue to help. Though I only speak as a gay cisgender man and supporter of LGBTQ equality, I’ve taken some time to think about new ways and avenues for activism as well as present underrepresented views and problems facing the community at this time. LGBTQ activism can be made stronger by people of diverse backgrounds working in dialogue with each other. The importance of this list is to learn ways to foster dialogue, understanding and empathy for one another, as well as educate others on what some of the issues facing the community post-same-sex marriage are.

Full Article Link: https://thesocietypages.org/sociologylens/2015/08/14/how-to-be-a-better-lgbtq-ally-post-gay-marriage/

Questions:

* What do you know about past and present LGBTQ culture and history?

* How has the passage of marriage equality laws affected your views on equal rights for LGBTQ people?

* What are some allyship-focused strategies you've used to support current LGBTQ equality in areas beyond marriage rights like healthcare, education, housing or employment?