STAND UP FOR THOSE WHO MAY STAND OUT
Kathleen Curtis Wolf
STRENGTHEN your brands, cultures, communications & employees to increase revenues | Gallup Certified Strengths Coach | Pickleball Obsessed | #BrandStrategist #LeadershipDevelopment #PurposeDriven
The importance of allies in the lives of LGBTQ youth.
Life is already tough enough when you are a teenager. You may be challenged with school, grades, friends, family and your future. Imagine how it feels, when on top of all that, you are also dealing with your identity.
Through my work with a client, I was introduced to passionate and brave young man named Jairo, a high school Sophomore. He was discussing the importance of allies in the lives of LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer) youth as we celebrate PRIDE month.
Every year during the month of June, the LGBTQ community celebrates in a number of different ways. Whether it’s parades, street parties, community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals or educational sessions, the various events are an opportunity to educate others about the issues faced within the LGBTQ community. “A lot of people don’t know what it means to identify as something else or what it means to be transgender. It’s important to be aware and informed” said Jairo.
Although attitudes and injustice still remain, we have come a long way since the Stonewall Riots of 1969. It is important to continue to raise awareness, encourage inclusiveness and increase allyship.
What is an ally? An ally is a person that actively supports others who may be different or marginalized. Allies promote and have a desire to advance the culture of inclusion through intentional, positive and conscious efforts. An ally stands up for those who may appear to stand out because they are “different” than others. “Not everyone is going to support you. There will always be backlash from people. I have definitely experienced that negativity but I’ve had a good experience overall because of all of the love and support from my friends and family,” said Jairo.
People within marginalized groups can and should also be allies for each other as well. Jairo has been helping the teachers at his high school form a new program called Common Ground to further support youth that are a part of the LGBTQ community. He also participated in the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) program in middle school, which is a support group for LGBTQ youth. “I joined the GSA when I was barely starting to come out. Being a member and having that extra support was really helpful,” said Jairo. The GSA accepts those who are different - not just sexuality based. It’s for anyone wanting to feel accepted.
Jairo has some thoughts for other youth who may be struggling with their identity. He says “Don’t freak out about it. Take it slow or at your own pace. Don’t overthink it. You can be who you are without putting a label on it. If you do want to put a label on it, do your own research on who you are and what you have experienced. Live your life and like who you want to like.”
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As for schools and teachers, they can be supportive allies as well. Jairo wants teachers to be educated and try to understand. “I see peers that are transgender or identify as different pronouns. A lot of teachers don’t understand that, because it’s different from what their generation experienced. It’s important for them to know what the world is like around them and understand the LGBTQ community a little bit better. Use the pronouns that youth identify as and be more informed about how sexuality affects youth. They may be struggling and could use help from a teacher.”
There are 5 things you can do to become an ally for any marginalized group:
Jairo took part in this interview because he’s passionate about this topic and wants others to know they are not alone. I am publishing this because I want Jairo and others to know that there are people they can count on, not matter what.
Jairo said “I did struggle with my sexuality and at some points, I still do, so I want to help people who struggle to find out who they are so they can be who they are.”
Whether it’s in school or at work, we all benefit from individuals being able to bring their whole selves to everything they do. I envision a time when everyone feels supported - in school, at work and in their community.
Will you commit to being an ally for someone? How will you show up for them?
Strategic Communications and Development Professional
2 年Thank you Kathleen Curtis Wolf for sharing the importance of being an ally! Bravo to Jairo for having the strength to be a vocal advocate for himself and for others who need support and understanding to be who they truly are. We need more allies in the world!
Connecting Business Strategy & the People Experience
2 年Well said. Thank you for sharing these thoughts. It was at a Pride event at work, 15 years ago, when I learned what it meant to be an Ally vs a supporter. It rewired my thinking and actions. Telling stories like this are important. Someone(s) may have a similar awakening and/or curiosity to learn more and take action.