Be An Ally - Resources

 
 
[Image description: Yellow words saying “BLACK LIVES MATTER” in a bold overlay. Background photo is a crowd in the city protesting, one protesters hands can be seen holding a sign that reads “Black Lives Matter”]

[Image description: Yellow words saying “BLACK LIVES MATTER” in a bold overlay. Background photo is a crowd in the city protesting, one protesters hands can be seen holding a sign that reads “Black Lives Matter”]

Black Lives Matter

This doesn’t mean all other lives don’t matter too. But, if the fire department is called, you want their attention on the house actively burning down.

Become aware of your blind spots. Do not rely on your Black friends or family members to educate you. It is important to educate yourself, and to do the work. This includes personal reflections on privilege and things that are bigger than you or I, such as systemic racism.

Speak up when a person uses slurs or insensitive and racially-charged language.

Avoid sharing trauma porn on your social media. Trauma porn is exploitation of trauma and the pointless consumption of pain. This leaves viewers with the option to either be upset and potentially triggered, or to become desensitized.

Check in on your Black friends and family members. Ask how you can best support them. Be willing to listen and learn.

[Image description: The photo is of a brick building with four large windows. The top left window has a PRIDE flag hanging, an individual waving, an individual pointing out of view and another looking. The top right window has one individual showing…

[Image description: The photo is of a brick building with four large windows. The top left window has a PRIDE flag hanging, an individual waving, an individual pointing out of view and another looking. The top right window has one individual showing the other two individuals something on their phone. The bottom left window has four individuals, all looking down, one is holding a PRIDE flag along the bottom. The bottom right window has three individuals, one is striking a post and they are all looking down to their left.]

LGBTQ+

Unfortunately decorating in rainbow or showing up for a Pride Parade doesn’t make you an ally…

Use the appropriate pronouns. Ask. When in doubt, “they/them/their” it out. Correct people if they mis-gender someone, even if that someone isn't in the room.

Challenge policies, practices and procedures that could be barriers to LGBTQ+ people.

Don’t assume the sexuality of those you know. Someone could be looking for support in the process of coming-out. Give them the space they need. Additionally, don’t “out” someone or push them into it. Allow them the ability to control the conversation.

Don’t ask inappropriate questions. For example, “What is your real name?” or “Did you have the surgery?”. There is no one surgery, there are several. Like any other major medical decision, privacy should be given.

Find ways to support the communities marginalized members. Donate. Or, spread the word.

Understand the spectrum. Nobody owes you an explanation or a biology lesson. Ask educated questions but also don’t be afraid to do your own research.

[Image description: The bottom half of an individual with a prosthetic right leg in short cut boots, leaning against a blue wall that has low, large elevator buttons.In the individuals left hand you can see a white cane, they are wearing black sligh…

[Image description: The bottom half of an individual with a prosthetic right leg in short cut boots, leaning against a blue wall that has low, large elevator buttons.In the individuals left hand you can see a white cane, they are wearing black slightly over the knee shorts and a long sleeve patterned top. Across their knuckles are the letters “F” “R” “E” “E”.]

Disability Mindfulness

Not everyone with a disability needs to be labelled an inspiration or motivation, most are just living their life and finding normalcy where they can.

Be aware of access and advocate for spaces without. This could include lack of ramps, image descriptions, closed-captioning, ASL translators at events and so on…

Open your eyes to language and perception of people with disabilities around you. Observe how they are represented and reflect on your own able-ism.

Read about disability culture, disability rights and disability in the world. Educate those around you.

Get mindful. Address the person, not their companion. Understand that assistive devices enhance abilities for people with disabilities, as they would for anyone else that used them as well. Recognize that disabilities are not always visible.