Sure, being a great friend can mean sharing memes, sending reels, or grabbing snacks after school—but it also means showing up when it really counts. One powerful way to do that? Be an ally.
But what is an ally, and how can you be one? Let’s break it down.
What Does it Mean to be an Ally?
An ally is someone who stands up for, supports, and encourages others, especially those whose voices aren’t always heard. It is someone who is or is not a part of the LGBTQ+ community and supports it through actions, words, amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, and fighting for everyone’s bodily autonomy.
Being an ally means:
- Believing in equal rights for everyone, no matter their race, gender or religion, or how they identify
- Speaking up when you see something unfair or hurtful
- Helping the world be a place where everyone feels safe, seen, and celebrated
How You Can Be a Good Ally?
Here are some easy ways to start being a strong and supporting ally to LGBTQ+ friends and people in your community.
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Learn and Listen
Want to support the LGBTQ+ community? Start by learning!
- Read books or watch videos by LGBTQ+ creators
- Follow LGBTQ+ influencers on social media
- Visit safe LGBTQ+ spaces (like youth centers or Pride events)
- Ask respectful questions—and really listen when people share their stories
Also, try to understand the differences between gender, sex, and sexual orientation. They’re not the same—and knowing the difference helps you be a better friend and ally.
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Be a Visible Supporter
It’s not just about what you think—it’s about what you do
- Show up at Pride events or school LGBQ+ clubs
- Call out homophobia, transphobia, and any other discrimination you see
- Use the right pronouns for people and respect how LGBTQ+ individuals describe themselves
- Look out for our blog next week to learn more about inclusive language!
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Be there for Your Friends
Being an ally also means being a solid, reliable friend.
- Check in with LGBTQ+ friends, especially if they’re having a tough time
- If someone isn’t getting enough support from their family or others, your friendship can make a huge difference
- If an LGBTQ+ person you know may need additional support from a mental health resource being there through the process can ensure more comfort
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Know When to Step Back
Being an ally doesn’t always mean being the person in the front of every room.
- Let LGBTQ+ people speak for themselves when it comes to their experiences
- If someone asks you questions about the LGBTQ+ community, share helpful resources created by LGBTQ+ people
- Be supportive – but don’t try to be the center of the conversation
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Support other Marginalized Communities Too
The great thing about being an ally for one group of people it also encourages you to show up for others. People don’t fit into just one box. Intersectionality is a term used to describe all the different identities or social categorizations a person has. Someone who is LGBTQ+ may have different identities where it might affect them in different ways. So when you stand up for one marginalized group, you’re standing up for them all. To be an effective ally, we have to be intersectional—which means we can’t just fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ people. We have to be fighting for everyone.