Allies can be anyone:

• a straight classmate who sticks by a friend questioning his gender identity;
• a teacher who serves as an advisor for a gay-straight alliance (GSA);
• parents who find ways to promote respect for diversity in their child’s school;
• a counselor who is committed to making sure that LGBTQ issues are heard.

By taking steps to visibly support LGBTQ youth and their rights, allies can play a critical role in stopping and even preventing harassment and discrimination against LGBTQ youth, ensuring that schools and out-of-home care settings are safe for everybody.

While it is sometimes safer for straight allies to take a stand for LGBT rights, being an ally does not come without its own challenges. Allies too can experience harassment or discrimination.

If you encounter discrimination, please contact Lambda Legal at 866-542-8336 or www.lambdalegal.org/help.

Commit to doing any or all of the following ways you can be an ally this year

Everyone

• I will not make assumptions about people’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
• I will publicly take a stand against homophobia, transphobia and anti-LGBTQ harassment and discrimination.
• I will speak out against the use of antigay slurs.
• I will be supportive of anyone who chooses to come out.
• I will attend LGBTQ events.
• I will educate myself about LGBTQ issues and the rights of LGBTQ students.
• I will wear or display LGBTQ-friendly buttons, stickers or posters.

Classmates

• If I witness anti-LGBTQ harassment or discrimination, I will report it in writing to the school principal.
• I will stand up for my LGBTQ friends, and voice my support for their being treated with respect and acceptance.
• I will help form a GSA.
• I will support friends in their decision to bring a same-sex date to the prom or other social events.
• I will help advocate for my school to adopt and enforce a nondiscrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.
• I will request books by LGBTQ authors and about LGBTQ people and issues for the school library.

Faculty and Staff

• I will make my classroom a safe space where antigay language is not tolerated.
• I will help advocate for my school to adopt and enforce a nondiscrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.
• I will request books by LGBT authors and about LGBT people and issues for the school library.
• I will consider being an advisor for a GSA.
• I will make sure school events include everyone.
• I will create an inclusive curriculum that highlights the contributions of LGBT individuals.
• I will create displays and/or lesson plans about LGBT History Month.

Parents and Family Members

• I will support my children and their friends who question their sexuality or identify as LGBTQ.
• I will be available to meet with school faculty or staff about these issues.
• I will help my children or their friends file complaints about discrimination or harassment.
• I will help organize events like celebrations for LGBTQ History Month.
• I will hold my child’s school accountable for violating the school district’s nondiscrimination policy or state laws.

If you’ve done any of these things, then you’re already an ally—keep up the good work! If you haven’t, now is a great time to start.