Anyone who has come out or is still figuring out their identity or sexual orientation can testify that it can be frightening if you don’t surround yourself with the right kind of people. It’s crucial to consider that not everyone has accepting households regarding sexual orientation or gender identity. Therefore, being an ally for people who don’t have this support system will give people, especially LGBTQ+ youth, the chance to be their authentic selves. Being there for people in need can benefit those who aren’t as fortunate. Still, it can open up your eyes to discover new information and gives you the chance to hold more accountability for yourself. Being an ally for the LGBTQ+ community can be the difference betw

een life and death for some. According to the survey done by The Trevor Project, “45 % of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including more than half of transgender and nonbinary youth.” So, How can you be a good ally, you may ask? Here are five good ways you can be an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

1. Open to new ideas. Being open to learning further information is essential for someone trying to be an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. It will give you the best chance to learn the history of this community. Below will be attached links regarding LGBTQ+ history for anyone interested. 

https://www.jcfs.org/response/blog/history-pride-part2

https://www.glsen.org/activity/glsen-lgbtq-history-cards-laverne-cox

2. Volunteering. Being a volunteer with certain non-profits could give you a chance to have some hand on hand activity when dealing with issues that the LGBTQ community faces. Putting yourself in their shoes can give you an idea of what this community has to go through daily. 

3.  Educate Others. Being educated on specific events or just information, in general, can be beneficial for you and gives you the chance to educate your peers on specific societal issues that they might not be aware of. Educating others will allow growth in our society and will set the path for change in future generations to come. 

4. Register to vote. When the time comes, go out and vote. Voting for politicians/ people in power that will advocate equality will give the LGBTQ+ community and other people in marginalized communities the chance to be treated as equals rather than outcasts.

5. Recognize the privilege you have. When walking into any space, LGBTQ+ members always have to watch for areas that are not LGBTQ+ friendly. If a person identifies as heterosexual, it is more than confident that the topic of their sexuality won’t be discussed or be the reason for being assaulted, etc. However, by recognizing the privilege and using it to support others, you can create more species that the LGBTQ+ community won’t have to fear when walking in. 

If you are an ally of this community, offer a helping hand by spreading awareness and celebrating the progress we have made in recent years. As Lady Gaga said, “It’s always wrong to hate, but it’s never wrong to love.”