5 Ways to Support the LGBTQ Movement Authentically

I know what it’s like to want to help our LGBTQ friends, family, or coworkers but feel like our hands are tied or we simply don’t know where to start. I’m sure you’ve been disgusted, just like I have, by the recent rise in anti-LGBTQ hate, whether it’s in pop culture, social media, new legislation, or the recent foiled attempt to carry out a potentially vicious attack at a Pride event. On one hand, it seems like we have made so much progress in the LGBTQ movement, with much more representation in the media, politics, and beautiful displays of solidarity by big corporations, but then on the other, it feels like we’re simultaneously regressing.

Times like this can feel confusing and chaotic, but I want you to know that there are many ways to show your authentic support and solidarity. I stress the word authentic because, when support is inauthentic, meaning lacking sincerity and commitment, we find ourselves in cycles of support followed by intense lulls that are a breeding ground for hate and apathy. Authenticity is what creates substantive, sustainable movements with longevity. Authenticity is what guarantees that our efforts will last and have the desired impact. 

Below are five ways to authentically support the LGBTQ movement.

1. Donate Time and Money to Organizations that Support the LGBTQ Community

Start by finding an organization that supports the LGBTQ community that speaks to your heart. Many LGBTQ nonprofits support different areas of the community: youth, military, trans, homeless, etc. It’s always beautiful to watch people show support through volunteering, which forms community, but I understand that we all don’t have time. We can still help by donating money to LGBTQ organizations and nonprofits. 

Go to www.glaad.org for a full resource list. 

2. Use Your Voice to Raise Awareness for LGBT Issues

We can all promote awareness at different times, which is one of the most important aspects of support. We can support this community by raising awareness of LGBTQ issues within our own circles of friends, family, and professional colleagues. This might mean correcting a homophobic family member or pointing out LGBTQ issues during a resource planning meeting at work. Whatever the situation, you can use your voice to speak out for gay rights. 

3. Speak Out Against Hate Speech and Work Toward a More Inclusive Society

Speaking out in support of the LGBT community is important, and taking a stance to stop hate speech can have long-reaching effects. Much of the hate speech exists in quiet, private places, like online where people use anonymous profiles or among family and friends. Hate speech persists because voices of change in these spaces are correcting and challenging problematic ideology. I understand that dealing with friends, family members, and coworkers in these moments can be sensitive, so you don’t have to be aggressive or forceful. Just say something. Any way you do it, speaking up against hate speech will have a lasting effect. 

4. Participate in Lobbying Efforts on Behalf of the LGBTQ Community

Get politically active. Join lobbying efforts and political organizations that are committed to policies that support the LGBTQ community. By joining these lobbying efforts for gay rights, you can help make the dream of equality for sexual orientations and expression a reality. 

Check out the Human Rights Campaign for valuable information. 

5. Educate Yourself on the Current Issues Facing the Community

This is possibly the most important because it combats the lack of knowledge that leads to inaction or even problematic beliefs. The old adage is true: Knowledge is power. To make a difference, we must be in the know. Listen for news about what impacts the LGBTQ community, such as hate crime, anti-LGBTQ legislation, mental health, and problems facing LGBTQ youth. It doesn’t take much, just a sincere, caring ear to become an ally by first understanding LGBTQ issues. A quick Google search will do wonders. 

Understanding begets empathy, which leads to action, creating a better world for us all. 

I may not be a part of the LGBTQ community, but I have friends, family, and coworkers who are. More importantly, I’m a person who cares. As a Black woman, I understand firsthand what it’s like to be discriminated against, stereotyped, denied, and disenfranchised. It is my sincere commitment to fight against discrimination of any kind, focused on any community, by showing support in any way possible. Hopefully, with these five tips, we can authentically support the LGBTQ community and lend our hand in forming a society that’s fair and welcoming for us all.