Different Ways To Show Support To the LGBTQ+ Community

How can we show support for the LGBTQ+ community? There are different ways to look at this question. From acceptance to creating awareness, there are a plethora of things that we can do.

During this Pride Month, why don't we have a look at some of them? So, without wasting any more time, let's dive into the matter.

Create safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community

As a supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, we can speak up against the injustices. There are different kinds of issues taking place around us. Even if it is a small problem, we can offer our support to the community by standing up with them.

One of the best ways to do so is by raising our voice against people who spread homophobic comments. It could be through virtual platforms or in real life.

We might want to defend your LGBTQ+ friends, family members, or colleagues. However, ensure that you are not stepping into their rights to express their point of view. 

Acceptance and educating about the LGBTQ+ community 

Accepting and creating awareness can play a role in overcoming the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ communities. As part of Pride Month, there are several workshops, webinars, online and offline events happening around us. You can become a part of them and ensure that you have the correct information. It is yet another way to show support to the LGBTQ+ people.

Besides that, several injustices are happening in workspaces. Several brands have recolored their logos as a way of conveying their support. However, can this solve the discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ people in their workplaces?

Now, it is time to show support through actions and by creating an inclusive culture. So, how can companies take such a step?

They can focus on educating their workers about the issues faced by LGBTQ+ employees. They can help people engage in conversations and remove the stigmas. Employees can check on each other and support irrespective of their identities. 

Even though most companies and brands state that they are inclusive, the question is that are they supporting the cause for real?

Recently, Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc, came up with a program known as #Dropthedeadnamecampaign. It is to allow the employees to select a name of their choice on their ID badges.

Apart from this, there are a lot of changes required. However, supporting LGBTQ+ employees can be a step towards decreasing the violence and discrimination confronted by them.

Becoming vocal outside of the digital world

Yes, the digital world is informative and helpful. You can show your support through social media by sharing posts and commenting on them. They are an excellent way to generate awareness. However, you can always do more. 

You can raise your voice outside of social media as well. You can do so by volunteering for programs hosted by NGOs, taking part in parades and other events. Trevor Project is one of them.

You can also host campaigns and support your LGBTQ+ peers while they are conducting programs to spread awareness. Here, you can be creative in showing your support.

Using inclusive language

Creating inclusivity is an essential part of providing support to LGBTQ+ people. We have to ensure that we are practicing it beyond the days of Pride Month. One of the best ways to do this is by using inclusive language.

Here, we have to focus on using their preferred pronoun. It is an excellent way to show our support and, at the same time, to convey our respect.

There is nothing wrong with asking our LGBTQ+ friends the pronoun they prefer. It is best to ask them instead of using the wrong pronoun. Some of the common gender-neutral pronouns are they/them/their.

Others prefer Ze, Sie, Zie, as well. It is best to clarify their preference beforehand. Through this, we can form an inclusive environment.

It is time for us to step up and raise our voices against injustices and discrimination. We also have to ensure that everyone has equal rights. By doing so, we can show our support to the LGBTQ+ community. It might be something small. But, remember, it is valuable.

So, why not be part of the change?

Cover Image from Unsplash