Allyship Tips 

1. Respect people’s privacy: they may not want to be out or discuss their situation with many people.

2. When lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual people share their stories, lean in and listen - you have much to learn from them.

3. Educate yourself on issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation.

4. Allow yourself to acknowledge, apologize for, and learn from mistakes. (Mistakes will happen.)

5. Interrupt, question, and educate friends, colleagues, and family members who share anti-LGBTQIA comments and jokes.

6. Always use the pronouns and names people want to be called by. If you’re unsure, ASK!

7. Be proactive and informed about restrooms - if your organization is holding an event, designate a gender-neutral bathroom.

8. Don’t ask LGBTQIA people about their bodies; their sex life; what their genitals are like; their surgery, HIV, or hormone status; etc. It’s rude & objectifying & none of your business. It can be helpful to think about whether you would ask these questions of a straight, cisgender person.

9. Believe that issues related to oppression are everyone’s concern, and seek opportunities to join with others to reduce oppression of LGBTQIA people.

Sources: UC Davis; University of Illinois - Springfield; GLAAD; GSLEN