Pride 365: How You Can Impact LGBTQIA+ Lives All Year Round
So, here we are, the final day of Pride Month 2023!
First, I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has read and interacted with my content over the last month. It's been a hell of a passion project that was tough at times! With all the negativity surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community right now, it was difficult not to get bogged down in it all despite my more positive aim of educating and improving awareness. With that in mind, i'd also like to thank those who continuously checked in on me to make sure I wasn't going down a personally bad path.
As I said in yesterdays article, Pride Month may be celebrated in June, but the spirit of inclusivity, support, and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community should extend far beyond a single month. It is essential to recognise and address the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals throughout the year.
With that in mind, for todays final pride month article, we'll explore once more how you can make a positive impact on LGBTQIA+ lives all year round, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. To help do this, I'll...
So, let's get started!
Education and Awareness Resources
Education is a crucial step in fostering understanding and acceptance. Take the time to educate yourself about LGBTQIA+ history, terminology, and issues. Engage in diverse media, read books by LGBTQIA+ authors, and listen to podcasts that amplify LGBTQIA+ voices.
By expanding your knowledge, you become a more informed ally, equipped to challenge prejudice and promote inclusivity in your everyday life. Here are some resources to get you started:
Support LGBTQIA+ Organisations, Inclusive Spaces, and Causes
There are numerous non-profit organisations and community centres dedicated to supporting and uplifting LGBTQIA+ individuals. Consider donating or volunteering your time, skills, or resources to these organisations.
You can assist in events, workshops, or fundraisers that contribute to their vital work, helping to create safer spaces, provide mental health support, and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. Here are a few for you to consider:
If you're looking to help on a more individual level, why not donate towards someones gender affirmation surgery fund? GoFundMe have a section dedicated to those on their gender journeys which you can find, here.
I also have my own gender affirmation surgery fundraiser, if you would like to donate to that, you can do so here. Thank you in advance to anyone that does!
There are a whole lot more LGBTQIA+ charities, organisations, causes, inclusive spaces and more that I won't have highlighted here. So, please feel free to find a cause that resonates with you!
Advocate for LGBTQIA+ Rights
Advocacy plays a significant role in effecting change and promoting equality. Stay informed about current LGBTQIA+ issues and legislation, and engage in advocacy efforts. This can involve writing to your elected representatives, participating in peaceful demonstrations, or supporting petitions that aim to advance LGBTQIA+ rights.
By raising your voice, you help create a society that values and protects the rights of all its members. Here are a few campaigns and petitions to get you stated:
Support LGBTQIA+-Owned Businesses
Supporting LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and businesses is a tangible way to make a difference. Seek out LGBTQIA+-owned businesses in your community or online and make a conscious effort to purchase their products or services. By doing so, you not only contribute to the economic empowerment of LGBTQIA+ individuals but also help create a more inclusive business landscape.
Here are some of mine and my partners favourites:
Create Inclusive Spaces
Evaluate the spaces you inhabit, whether at work, school, or within your community. Strive to make these environments inclusive and affirming for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Implement policies and practices that protect against discrimination and harassment. Encourage diversity training and workshops that promote inclusivity and challenge biases. By fostering inclusivity within your sphere of influence, you contribute to a more welcoming world for everyone. Here are some top tips to get you started:
Using inclusive language
We live in a society where it is assumed people are straight and cis unless told otherwise, so in everyday conversation people often assume another person’s gender or the gender of the people they are attracted to. It can feel uncomfortable and difficult to correct a person about your LGBTQIA+ identity, especially if you have just met them or you are in a situation where you are already feeling uncomfortable, such as your first day at a new school, the first time you meet your new coworker, etc.
I'd encourage you to avoid gendered language where possible, here are some examples...
Pronouns
You should never assume to know a person’s gender identity or sexuality. In the same way, you cannot assume to know a person’s preferred pronouns.
The most commonly used pronouns are she/her, they/them and he/him. By asking a person their pronouns, and hearing them, or displaying your own pronouns, it can indicate that you are an ally.
Opportunities to share your pronouns or to ask a person for theirs:
Visible cues
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Actively making changes to your environment can go a long way towards creating an inclusive environment. When an LGBTQIA+ person enters a space that is purposely made to be inclusive, they know they are going to be safe and respected. As a result, they know they do not need to hide their identity, nor will they expect to meet people with LGBTphobic views.
Here are some ways to indicate a space is LGBTQIA+ inclusive:
Be an Ally
Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community means actively being an ally all year round. Actively listen to LGBTQIA+ individuals and validate their experiences. Practice empathy and sensitivity when engaging in conversations or addressing LGBTQIA+ issues. Respect people's pronouns and gender identities, and educate others when they make mistakes. By being an ally, you can create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals, both at work and in your personal life. So, how can you be the best ally?
Assume nothing
Not everyone in the world is straight, cisgender or even gender binary. LGBTQIA+ people are everywhere and don’t fit the stereotypes we see all around us. Not all gay men are camp, not all lesbians are butch and you sure as hell can’t tell someone’s gender identity just by looking at them.
So next time you ask that cute guy if he has a girlfriend or ask a woman what her husband does for a living, know that you might have put someone in an awkward position.
Respect pronouns
No matter how someone might appear on the outside it’s up to them how they identify. Mis-gendering people or using their dead name (for trans people, the name before transition) can cause a huge amount of hurt. If you get it wrong, just be honest and say, “I’m sorry, I made a mistake,” and move on.
If someone identifies as non-binary, refer to them as “they” or “them”. Yes, it can feel a bit of an effort to start with, but it becomes second nature really quickly. Gender fluidity is not a new phenomenon. Even the most cursory of Google searches shows a rich account of non-binary and gender-fluid people in history from all over the world.
Speak out
If you hear homophobic or transphobic language – call it out for what it is. Challenge people. There’s no such thing as casual homophobia or casual transphobia – words and attitudes do hurt. The overuse of the word ‘gay’ as a derogatory term in playgrounds is just one example. Many LGBTQIA+ people suffer huge amounts of shame, guilt and self-loathing brought on by years of hearing slurs. It’s one reason people battle with their identity, fear rejection and really struggle to come out.
Yes, it can be tricky if the person rolling their eyes at the lesbian couple on a soap opera is a family member, but a simple comment like ‘They’re just people, who fell in love and also brush their teeth and go to the supermarket and do the hoovering, like we do!” can make a difference. There is more that unites us than separates us.
Report hate crime
I would never ever suggest that anyone put themselves in danger, but if you see or hear anyone being abused for their sexuality or gender identity don’t just stand by. In 2022, two in five trans people had been the victim of a hate crime. The statistics are shocking, and they're getting worse. If you see a crime in action and people are in danger call 999 or report it online. Often, confronting the bully or bullies isn’t possible while you're also trying to keep yourself safe. Something it can really exacerbate a tense situation. But, if you’re able to, go and talk to the person who is being attacked.
If you’re on public transport, sit down next to them, ask them if they’re ok and talk about anything else – the weather – what’s on TV. This not only shows your solidarity but helps calm them down and feel safer until you can get further help. If you see hate speech online or on social media – it’s usually very easy and quick to report that too. It all makes a difference.
Think inclusively
Why not try and make your workplace more inclusive? Do you have an LGBTQIA+ group? Could you commemorate Pride, LGBT History Month, Trans Day of Remembrance or National Coming Out Day? Could you put up posters saying homophobic or transphobic language won’t be tolerated or ones celebrating LGBTQIA+ couples?
And if you don’t have a workplace, what’s stopping you from celebrating Pride anyway? Who doesn’t love rainbows, glitter and celebrating equality? Join the party! No one is trying to recruit you. Remember homophobia is taught and you can respect and celebrate a community while recognising that it isn’t for you.
Support LGBTQ+ charities
If you’d like to help some of the most vulnerable, think about supporting a charity such as the Albert Kennedy Trust. They’re there to help young LGBTQIA+ people who have been thrown out of their homes or are at risk of homelessness. Mermaids is also a fantastic charity supporting children and young people who are trans or non-binary and their families.
And then, of course, Stonewall does incredible work campaigning for LGBTQIA+ equality while also ensuring that schools are LGBTQIA+ inclusive and free from bullying. There are so many incredible organisations out there. Donating, volunteering, helping to raise their profile through social media mentions – it all helps.
Read up
Find out what’s really going on in the LGBTQIA+ community by broadening your horizons. You’d be surprised just how many shocking examples there are of people being denied their basic human rights because of their sexuality or gender identity. You’ll also find heart-warming stories of people coming together to support each other and fight injustice. And if you’re really lucky you’ll find stories about gay penguins bringing up baby chicks together.
If you’re looking online, you could start with Pink News, Gay Star News and the LGBTQIA+ sections within your favourite publications. So many LGBTQIA+ stereotypes in some mainstream media are just that – stereotypes. When you cast your net a little wider and get the full picture, you'll find fantastic queer literature, podcasts, film and TV out there too!
Love the LGBTQIA+ people in your life
If you’re lucky enough to have someone in your life come out to you, then be sure to embrace it, and embrace them! If you really are shocked, then try and contain that reaction and tell them it's okay. It might mean the visions you had for their future change, and you might be worried that they won't find happiness... those concerns don't last long.
Remember, being LGBTQIA+ is just a small part of what makes them, them. They are still the child/sibling/parent/friend they always were. Tell them you love them. At the end of the day that’s all we all want – to be loved and accepted for who we really are.
My Pride Month 2023 Articles
So, there we have it!
Remember, pride should not be confined to a single month. It is a year-round commitment to promoting equality, acceptance, and love for the LGBTQIA+ community.
By educating ourselves, supporting organisations, advocating for rights, being allies, creating inclusive spaces, and supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses, we can make a lasting impact on LGBTQIA+ lives. Let's work together to build a world where every individual can live authentically, free from discrimination and prejudice.
Pride 365 is a journey we embark on collectively, and it begins with each one of us taking action today, and every day that we can.