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TEN Things to Do to Be an great ALLY

(from PFLAG’s Straight for Equality campaign, www.straightforequality.org)

  1. Be open. Talk about having gay friends, family, colleagues, or acquaintances. When you talk about them, don’t omit the fact that they’re gay, lesbian, bi, transgender, or questioning. (GLBTQ).
  2. Ask questions. Especially when you aren’t sure about the acronyms, terminology, or words to use when talking about your gay friends, family, colleagues, or acquaintances.
  3. Become informed. Learn about the realities, challenges and issues affecting the lives of GLBTQ people through websites, books, documentaries, and educational materials.
  4. Speak up. When you hear derogatory slurs or jokes, like “that’s so gay,” say something – and don’t use derogatory slurs or tell such jokes yourself.
  5. Help your kids. Teach them about all different kinds of families. Be mindful of the day-to-day messages that they are receiving about gay and transgender people and issues in school, from friends, the web, and on TV.
  6. Reconsider your membership. There are many organizations that overtly discriminate against the GLBTQ community. Be sure to let them know why you are leaving or not joining in the first place.
  7. Think about where you spend. Support gay, lesbian, bi, and/or transgender-owned and friendly businesses that have policies in place to ensure equal treatment for all.
  8. Challenge those around you. Encourage your social club, workplace, or faith community to consider inclusive policies that protect the GLBTQ community from discrimination.
  9. Get loud. Write letters to the editor of your newspaper to comment as a straight ally on why you support respectful and equal treatment for GLBTQ people.
  10. Become an advocate. Call, write, e-mail, or visit public policy makers and let them know that as a straight per­son who votes, you support laws that extend equal rights and protections to all people.

Diversity Statement: Brookdale Community College fosters an environment of inclusion and belonging. We promote a safe and open culture, encourage dialogue respecting diverse perspectives informed by credible sources, and uphold the virtues of civil discourse. We celebrate all identities with the understanding that ultimately, diversity, equity, and inclusion cultivate belonging and make us a stronger Brookdale community.