Celebrating Pride Together: A Guide for Straight Allies
Pride Month is a time for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to come together to celebrate diversity, promote equality, and raise awareness about the struggles that queer individuals still face today. While Pride events are primarily geared towards the LGBTQ+ community, straight allies are always encouraged to actively participate and show their support. But how can straight allies effectively engage in Pride Month festivities in a meaningful and respectful way? Let's explore!
Educate Yourself:
One of the most important ways straight allies can support the LGBTQ+ community is by educating themselves about LGBTQ+ issues, history, and terminology. Take the time to read books, watch documentaries, or attend workshops that focus on LGBTQ+ rights and experiences. Understanding the challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals face can help allies become more empathetic and informed advocates.
You also should know the history of Pride, which began as an annual commemoration of the Stonewall riots.
Here are a few LGBTQ+ resources we recommend:
PFLAG’s National Glossary of Terms
Conscious Style Guide’s Gender, Sex, and Sexuality Guide
LGBTQ+ Scholarships for Students
Ultimate Guide to Resources for LGBTQ+ Students
HRW’s Report on Medically Unnecessary Surgeries on Intersex Children in the US
APA.org’s Answers to your Questions about Transgender Identity
Hand over your platform to LGBTQ+ Voices:
As a straight ally, it's crucial to listen to the experiences and voices of LGBTQ+ individuals. Take the time to engage in meaningful conversations with LGBTQ+ friends, colleagues, and community members. Amplify their voices by sharing their stories and experiences, especially during Pride Month. Use your platform and privilege to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
For you, maybe that looks like boosting visibility of LGBTQ+ businesses on your social media accounts, or supporting local LGBTQ+ owned businesses. Or, you could follow queer content creators to diversify your Discover page. Here are some lists we recommend:
Refinery29’s List of History and Queer Culture Instagram Accounts
Auto Straddle’s List of Black Queer and Trans Femmes to Follow
Out’s List of Most Exciting Queer Artists to follow
And speaking of voices… be mindful of your own. Specifically, make sure you are using inclusive language when you speak to others. Here are some examples:
DON’T say:
“A gay” “a trans”
“Transgendered, cisgendered
“Sex change”
“They identify as”
“Born a girl or born a boy”
Instead, say:
“A trans/gay/bi person”
“Transgender, cisgender”
“Gender affirming transition”
“They are”
“Trans man or trans woman”
Attend Pride Events, RESPECTFULLY:
Pride parades, festivals, and other events are essential celebrations of LGBTQ+ identity and culture. Straight allies can show their support by attending Pride events in their communities. By participating in these events, allies help create a visible and inclusive presence that demonstrates solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, attending Pride events provides an opportunity to learn more about LGBTQ+ history, culture, and activism.
Here’s what’s important to remember: Pride is not for straight allies. You are a guest in this space. When you attend Pride as a straight person, it’s important to be respectful. That means not taking photos of others without permission, don’t dominate spaces or make yourself the center of attention, and it’s definitely not the place for you to share your “devil’s advocate” opinions. You aren’t entitled to the space if it’s going to make LGBTQ+ Pride participants feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
Pride isn’t just an excuse for you to drink and party: the focus of the celebration should be celebrating LGBTQ+ culture, history, and liberation.
Show Visible and Colorful Support for the ENTIRE community:
Wearing symbols of LGBTQ+ pride, such as rainbow flags, pins, or clothing, is a simple yet powerful way for straight allies to show their support during Pride Month. These symbols send a clear message of solidarity and acceptance to LGBTQ+ individuals, especially in environments where they may feel marginalized or discriminated against. Displaying LGBTQ+ pride flags or stickers in your home or workplace can also create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for LGBTQ+ individuals.
If you aren’t supportive of the entire LGBTQ+ community, you should consider staying home this year. So if any of these sound like you, consider going back to #1 on this list before attending Pride:
You support gay and lesbian people, but not trans or non-binary people.
You don’t believe some identities are legitimate, such as pan or bisexual.
You only support LGBTQ+ people of a certain religious, political, racial, or other belief.
You’re a woman with gay friends who feels like lesbian women are weird, or a man with lesbian friends who thinks gay men are weird.
Stand Up Against Discrimination:
Straight allies play a crucial role in challenging discrimination and prejudice against LGBTQ+ individuals. If you witness homophobic or transphobic behavior or language, speak up and challenge it in a respectful and constructive manner. Use your privilege to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and push for more inclusive policies and practices in your community, workplace, or social circles.
Here’s what that can look like for you:
Supporting the LGBTQ+ community even if there are no LGBTQ+ people present
Following the lead of LGBTQ+ people in the fight for their liberation
Supporting LGBTQ+ businesses, events, charities, and social initiatives all year round.
Vote for leaders who support LGBTQ+ equality
Support LGBTQ+ Organizations:
Many organizations and charities work tirelessly to support and advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Consider donating your time, money, or resources to LGBTQ+ organizations that are making a difference in your community or beyond. Volunteering at LGBTQ+ shelters, community centers, or events is another meaningful way to show your support and contribute to positive change.
If you’re a Realtor in Pittsburgh, consider joining us at the LGBTQ Real Estate Alliance, which is an organization that advocates both locally and nationally for LGBTQ+ homeownership and equality across the country.
Conclusion:
Pride Month is a time for celebration, reflection, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Straight allies have an important role to play in promoting equality, acceptance, and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals. By educating themselves, listening to LGBTQ+ voices, attending Pride events, showing visible support, standing up against discrimination, and supporting LGBTQ+ organizations, straight allies can actively participate in Pride Month and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society for all. Let's celebrate Pride together and continue working towards a future where everyone can live authentically and without fear of discrimination or prejudice.
If you’re new here, we’re a team of LGBTQ+ Realtors in Pittsburgh. Learn more about our team here.
Looking for information on Pittsburgh as a sanctuary city for LGBTQ+ individuals? We’ve got you covered.
Did you know that only 51% of LGBTQ+ couples own homes, as opposed to 71% of straight couples? Let’s change that. Check out our resources page if you’re a first time home buyer or seller, or send us a message and let’s talk about working together.