As Pride Month approaches, itâs a time for reflection, celebration, and recognizing the ongoing journey for equality within the LGBTQ+ community. One vital aspect of this journey is allyship, and how those who donât identify as LGBTQ+ can support and stand up for those who do. However many may wonder, âWhat makes a good ally? What does effective allyship look like?â The peer-reviewed article âAntecedents and Consequences of LGBT Individualsâ Perceptions of Straight Allyshipâ by Jacqueline M. Chen, Samantha Joel, and Daphne Castro Lingl (2020) provides valuable insights into this important topic.
Background On Finding This Article
While entering the capstone phase of my Masterâs in Psychology, I chose a deeply personal and socially relevant research focus:
â(The) Psychological Impact of Workplace Discrimination and Inclusion Strategies on Dual Minority Stress in Black LGBTQ+ Professionals.â
As part of this five-part assessment, I needed to locate peer-reviewed articles to support the research question I developed:
âHow does workplace discrimination affect the psychological well-being of Black LGBTQ+ professionals, and to what extent do inclusion strategies mitigate dual minority stress?â
In the process of gathering academic sources, I came across a compelling article:
âAntecedents and Consequences of LGBT Individualsâ Perceptions of Straight Allyshipâ by Jacqueline M. Chen, Samantha Joel, and Daphne Castro Lingl (2020). What struck me most was that this piece not only supported key aspects of my capstone, particularly the emotional and psychological nuance of workplace dynamics, but also broadened my perspective for educating and engaging with friends who identify as allies. It gave language and evidence to things I had long sensed intuitively: that the presence (or absence) of genuine, competent allyship has tangible mental health implications.
What Makes a True Ally?
In the study, Chen et al. (2020) explore how LGBTQ+ individuals perceive the allyship of straight (cisgender) individuals. Their findings suggest that allyship isnât just about passive support; itâs about active and engaged participation in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. An allyâs willingness to stand up against discrimination, educate themselves, and use their privilege to create a more inclusive environment can make a significant difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals. The study shows that LGBTQ+ people value allies who take visible actions, like challenging harmful behaviors and speaking up in spaces where LGBTQ+ voices might be silenced. This is especially true with the constant bullying and harassment of Trans and Non-Binary people like myself.
For instance, simply stating âI support LGBTQ+ rightsâ isnât enough. True allyship requires action, such as advocating for inclusive policies, supporting LGBTQ+ businesses, or offering emotional and tangible support to those who face discrimination. Chen et al. (2020) emphasize that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to perceive allyship as valuable when allies go beyond token gestures and actually engage with LGBTQ+ issues. Meaning the perfromative bumper sticker on the back of a car saying âTrans Live Matterâ does nothing for those who suffer daily from regular discriminiation.
The Impact of Allyship on LGBTQ+ Individuals
Allyship doesnât just benefit the community it seeks to support; It also has positive consequences for those who practice it. According to Chen et al. (2020), LGBTQ+ individuals who perceive higher levels of allyship report feeling more supported and empowered. These perceptions of allyship can significantly improve mental health outcomes and foster a stronger sense of belonging. When LGBTQ+ people feel like theyâre not alone in their fight for equality, it boosts their resilience and sense of community.
Moreover, Chen et al. (2020) found that when LGBTQ+ individuals perceive genuine allyship, they experience less stigma and discrimination, creating a more positive environment for self-expression and acceptance. This underlines why allyship is not just a “nice thing to doâ, but itâs a critical factor in the mental well-being and empowerment of LGBTQ+ individuals. With the current political climate, community is a strong necessity for not only well-being but also survival.
How to Be an Active Ally This Pride Month (and Beyond)
If youâre wondering how to step up as an ally, Chen et al. (2020) suggest that it involves the following core actions:
- Educate Yourself: Start by learning about LGBTQ+ identities, struggles, and history. The more you know, the more effectively you can advocate for equality. This includes understanding issues like gender identity, pronouns, and the nuances within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Use Your Privilege for Good: As a straight and cisgender ally, your privilege allows you to challenge harmful behaviors in spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals may not feel safe doing so. Stand up when you hear homophobic, transphobic, or discriminatory remarks. Your voice can help create safer spaces and save a life.
- Support LGBTQ+ Rights and Causes: Be proactive in supporting policies that promote LGBTQ+ rights. Whether itâs advocating and voting for inclusive policies or donating to LGBTQ+ organizations. Your support helps elevate the voices of marginalized communities.
- Donât Just Celebrate. Act: During Pride Month, while itâs great to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, itâs also a time to reflect on how you can be a year-round ally. This includes educating others, showing support for LGBTQ+ businesses, and working toward systemic change. Being LGBTQ+ doesnât end when the parade stops and neither should allyship.
- Listen and Be Open to Feedback: Allyship is a process of continual learning and growth. Listen to the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and be open to feedback. Allies should be willing to admit when theyâve made mistakes and use those moments as opportunities for growth. This is especially important when it comes to the intersectionality between race and LGBTQ+ identites. Interesectionality with this context recognizes that individuals experience discrimination and marginalization based on the intersection of these two factors.
Conclusion: Allyship Is a Lifelong Journey
Allyship is not a checkbox to tick off, especially during Pride Month. It is a lifelong journey that requires constant action, education, and self-reflection. As Chen et al. (2020) highlight, the quality of allyship matters. LGBTQ+ individuals value allies who are genuinely engaged in advocating for equality, and who support them both emotionally and through tangible actions.
As we celebrate Pride Month, letâs reflect on the role each of us can play in making the world a more inclusive place. Allyship is about more than just words; Itâs about actively making a difference. This Pride Month, commit to being a better ally: listen, learn, and take action. LGBTQ+ voices matter, and being an ally means elevating those voices and ensuring everyoneâs right to live authentically.
Citation:
Chen, J. M., Joel, S., & Castro Lingl, D. (2020). Antecedents and Consequences of LGBT Individualsâ Perceptions of Straight Allyship. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 24(3), 145-168. https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000422
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