HOW TO BE AN ALLY

Pride month is coming to an end, but the fight against forces that want to erase or exterminate the LGBTQ+ community is ongoing.

" As an ally for the LGBTQ community, we at Slay Nation need to educate ourselves, take the initiative and listen to this community. We need to have an open heart and mind to see how we can promote equality and inclusion for everyone. Slay nation; we have the resources to be a faithful ally to help fight for important causes that have genuinely affected this community for decades. The LGBTQ+ community deserves to feel seen for equal health care, trans rights, health care rights, equal laws, and that's just the beginning."

Chauncey Woods, Co-founder of So She Slays

Here are five ways you can be an ally and be a voice for those who are not being heard:

1.) BE INFORMED

Educate yourself so you can educate others. Ask questions, research, don't be afraid to admit that you need to learn more on different topics. The only way you can be an ally is you have a proper understanding of issues, terms, and topics.

2.) LISTEN

Listen to personal experiences. It's essential to understand the struggles of our LGBTQ+ community so that we can help and advocate further. Reach out to your friends and ask about their personal experiences and what they need from us for support.

3.) LEARN

Learn about the different mental health crises throughout the LGBTQ+ community, learn about prejudice, learn about other ways to advocate for the community. A lack of understanding and learning can cause more harm to the community. Learn the correct pronouns, learn about the adversity, learn about YOUR privilege and use it for good.

4.) SPEAK

Now more than ever, we have the tools to speak up about issues and use our voices to educate others. Social media is a great tool to utilize when advocating and being an ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Use your platforms to speak about issues and use it to amplify the voices of those who are not being heard.

5.) RECOGNIZE YOUR PRIVILEGE

It's not your fault that you are privileged. What is your fault is recognizing you're privileged and not using your voice to help those who are not. You are responsible for what you do with your knowledge and privilege. Acknowledge unjust privilege and work to end the structure that gives YOU privilege.

Our team at SoSheSlays will continue to advocate for those voices not being heard and be an ally for the LGBTQ+ community today and every day. We encourage anyone reading this to do the same. No one should have to fight for their right to be who they are or love who they love.