10 Ways to be an LGBTQ+ Ally During Pride Month (And All Year)

Have you ever wondered how can you support LGBTQIA2S+ communities beyond Pride Month—in a real and meaningful way?

You've come to the right place.

This is by no means an exhaustive list—consider it a place to get started. Here are 10 ways you can support LGBTQIA2S+ communities beyond buying rainbow-themed merchandise:1. Listen

If you make allyship all about you, you’re doing it wrong.

You may come from different experiences, needs and perspectives than LGTBQIA+ folks, but thatt doesn’t mean you can’t learn from us. The key is to listen to what we have to say and let us center our own stories.

We have direct knowledge about the issues and challenges that affect us from our daily lived experiences. Listen to the voices of people who’ve been historically excluded from the mainstream conversation. Every human being receives an opportunity to connect, grow and relate when we are heard.

READ: 10 LGBTQ+ People on Pride, Politics and Being an Ally

Learn about the Harlem drag balls in the 1920’s and '30s; learn how the Stonewall Riots served as a catalyst for the Gay Rights Movement; look at Harvey Milk's heroic efforts and watch “Paris Is Burning”—the quintessential documentary on the New York ballroom scene in the 1980s and 1990s.

READ: Florida's New 'Don't Say Gay' Bill.4. Use the Right Pronouns

Asking for and correctly using someone’s pronouns shows respect, acceptance and support for a person’s gender identity—especially those who are transgender, non-binary or gender non-conforming.

Here are some things to remember about pronoun usage:

• A person's pronouns won’t necessarily align with a person’s appearance or the sex a person was assigned at birth.
• Never assume someone’s pronouns based on how they look—it only reinforces harmful stereotypes about gender expression.
• If you don’t know someone’s pronouns, ask. A simple “Which pronouns do you use?” will suffice.
• If you slip up, apologize, correct yourself and continue the conversation.

Being conscious about pronoun usage will get easier with practice. The first step is making a genuine effort at getting a person’s pronouns right.5. Reframe “Ally” as a Verb, Not a Noun

Being a good ally is more than lip service.

It’s fine to say you’re an ally—but take a long hard look at how you actually speak up and take action for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. What are you doing to create equity, inclusion and real impact? Showing up for LGBTQIA2S+ friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors is the first step to achieving real change.6. Speak Up

Allies can leverage their privileged position to advocate for marginalized groups—particularly in spaces where they are not always heard.

When they do speak up, allies should first acknowledge their privilege, then engage in difficult social justice dialogues and fight for equality among the oppressed.

READ: Navigating Pride as an Ally.7. Volunteer

Everyone brings something to the table that can benefit the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Whether you’re looking for something in Canada, the U.S., or something local—like volunteering at a youth drop-in center or at a one-off event—there’s a need that matches your time, energy and skillset.8. Donate to LGBTQIA2S+ Organizations

Every June, the rainbows come out and too many corporations virtue-signal support of the LGBTQIA2S+ community for 30 whole days. Then, like clockwork, they pack up their “Love Is Love” banners until the following year.

Sure, there’s a big push to put your money where your mouth is during Pride Month (and by all means do) But recognize there is financial need the other 11 months of the year. One way to do this is by making a regular monthly donation to a worthy charity.

A few options to consider include:

• The Trevor Project.
• The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC).
• The National Center for Transgender Equality.
• Lambda Legal.
• Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Elders (SAGE).