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Become an Ally

What is an Ally?

According to Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language, an ally is someone "joined with another for a common purpose."

Being an ally on gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender issues is the process of working to develop individual attitudes, institutions, and culture in which gay, lesbian, bisexual people feel they matter. This work is motivated by an enlightened self-interest to end homophobia and heterosexism. -- J. Jay Scott and Vernon Wall, 1991

An Ally is a person who works both to facilitate the development of all students around issues of sexual orientation and to improve the experience of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered individuals. Allies can be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, intersexed, (LGBTQI) or heterosexual. The University of Illinois has several Ally networks. Allies are invited to join any and all that seem appropriate. And if there isn't a group that fits you, please talk to Curt McKay about starting one.

• Faculty and Staff Ally Network
  Visible by the "pink triangle" Ally poster on their doors, UIUC queer friendly and queer faculty, staff and graduate assistants provide safe space and support for the LGBT campus community. Call the Counseling Center, 217-333-3704 or LGBT Office, 217-244-8863.
• Student Ally Network
  Network of students within the residential life system who provide safe space and support for LGBT students in campus housing. Contact Marc Goldman for information.
• Greek Allies
  Network of students within the fraternity and sorority community who seek to reach out in promoting awareness, understanding and dialogue about issues surrounding gender and sexuality in the Greek community. Contact David for information.
• La Casa Cultural Latina Allies
  Latino/a students and staff who provide safe space and support for LGBT students. For information on becoming an Ally, contact La Casa Assistant Director, Ronni Kann.
• Asian American LGBT Allies
  An affinity group of the Asian American Cultural Center for people who
  1. affirm the experiences and rights of LGBT people;
  2. seek to learn more about the intersection of LGBT and Asian American identities; and
  3. choose to challenge homophobic values to provide effective support.
  For more information, contact David Chi.

An ally to LGBT individuals is a person who ... ¹

• Believes that it is in her/his self-interest to be an ally to LGBT individuals.
• Has worked to develop an understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues. Works to be comfortable with her/his knowledge of gender identity and sexual orientation.
• Is comfortable saying the words "gay," "lesbian," "bisexual," and "transgender."
• Works to understand how patterns of oppression operate, and is willing to identify oppressive acts and challenge the oppressive behaviors of others.
• Works to be an ally to all oppressed groups.
• Finds a way that feels personally congruent to confront /combat homophobia and heterosexism.
• Similar to how an LGBT person "comes out of the closet," an ally "comes out" as an ally by publicly acknowledging her/his support for LGBT people and issues.
• Chooses to align with LGBT individuals, and represents their needs -- especially when they are unable to do so themselves.
• Expects to make some mistakes, and does not give up when things become discouraging.
• Promotes a sense of community with LGBT individuals, and teaches others about the importance of these communities. Encourages others to also provide advocacy.
• Is aware that she/he may be called the same names and be harassed in similar ways to those whom she/he is defending. Whenever possible, a heterosexual ally avoids "credentializing," which involves disclosing their heterosexual identity in order to avoid negative or unpleasant assumptions or situations.
• Works to address/confront individuals without being defensive, sarcastic, or threatening.

Benefits of Being an Ally ²

• You open yourself up to the possibility of close relationships with an additional 10% of the world.
• You become less locked into sex role stereotypes.
• You increase your ability to have close and loving relationships with same-sex friends.
• You have opportunities to learn from, teach, and have an impact on a population with whom you might not otherwise interact.
• You may make a profound difference in the life of someone you love who finds something positive in their sexual identity.

Four Steps to Becoming an Ally to LGBTQIA People ³

1. Awareness/Accessing Resources: Become aware of who you are and how you are different from and similar to LGBT people. Such awareness can be gained through conversations with LGBT individuals, reading about LGBT people and their lives, attending awareness building workshops and meetings, and by self-examination.
2. Knowledge/Education: Become educated on the issues, knowing facts, statistics, laws, policies and culture of LGBT people.
3. Creating an Open and Supportive Environment: Encourage and promote an atmosphere of respect. Acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate differences among individuals and within groups. Be a safe and open person to talk with. Join one of the campus Ally Networks.
4. Take Action: Teach, share your knowledge. Action is the only way to change society as a whole. Stand up for and fight for human rights.

Notes:

1. Adapted Ibid.
2. Adapted from ally training information at www.debradavis.org/gecpage/ally.html.
3. Adapted from SAFE on Campus material.

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