Community News

ALLYSHIP IS ABOUT YOUR ACTIONS

MAKE A COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION, SAYS DALE BOYLE

DALE BOYLE (HE/HIM) Column Dale Boyle (he/him) is the operations manager at The Gilbert Centre. Email him at DaleB@GilbertCentre.ca.

Tuesday, May 17, International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, is held annually to raise awareness surrounding human rights inequities and to encourage community to take a stand against injustice for 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

So often, people and organizations will identify themselves as being an ally to 2S-LGBTQ+ communities, feeling proud to announce publicly support for their queer and trans friends, family or colleagues.

Unfortunately, simply identifying as an ally is not creating the change we need to see. We need to shift our view of an ally from an identity, something you are, to viewing it as an action, something you do.

Allyship is the efforts and actions by privileged groups to advance the interests and needs of marginalized groups, whether the interests are social or systemic. Allies play a crucial role in helping to shift societal conversations, advance change in organizations, and help to further the efforts being made from 2S-LGBTQ+ communities.

In honour of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we want to encourage readers to announce their commitment to action.

There are many ways you can actively demonstrate support. For individuals, actions can include engaging in conversations, volunteering at a local 2SLGBTQ+ charity or Pride organization, donating time or supporting a fundraising event, advocating for change when you see inaccessible systems, or even normalizing the conversation on pronouns by sharing your own in various settings.

For organizations, consider implementing staff training, updating policies, changing intake forms, coordinating staff volunteer hours, donating to a local 2S-LGBTQ+ grassroot organization, and reviewing hiring and recruitment strategies to attract more diverse colleagues.

If you're not sure which action to take, consider starting by engaging in education. Take the time to listen to the 2S-LGBTQ+ community, read their stories, discover what the current needs are, and ask how to best provide support.

We want to hear from you. What are your actions and commitments to ending homophobia, transphobia and biphobia? Message us at newsroom@insideottawavalley.com. Together, our actions can create a more inclusive society where people are able to be their authentic self.

OPINION

en-ca

2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281505049826291

Metroland Media Group Ltd.