Straight allies

with RICKI MENZIES  Training & Development Coordinator 

Many LGBT people have friends who are not members of their community, and these allies are very important. Some are old friends from school or work, sometimes from before we came out and sometimes gathered along the way.

We sometimes do not realise the powerful message these straight allies give to the wider community. When they march beside us at Pride and rallies, when they stand up for us at work or when we are out socialising, be they family or friends, young or old, the message they convey is one of love and pride in the LGBT person they know.

When we do those things we can be seen to be beating our own drum but when our allies do it; they are showing that diversity is valued.

Sometimes it can be tough on them too, they can also be discriminated against because they support us. So remember to thank your allies.