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What is an Ally?

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What is an Ally?

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There are many ways to be an ally for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (GLBT) students and employees. Here are a few ideas: • Believe that SIUC is enriched and enlivened by the diversity of GLBT people. • Be aware of the presence of GLBT students, faculty, and staff and be willing to engage in genuine dialogue and interaction. • Be willing to discuss issues impacting GLBT people’s lives in a non-judgmental manner. • Know GLBT resources and be willing to refer students to support and information resources on campus and in the community. • Consistently use inclusive language, avoid stereotyping, and do not assume everyone is heterosexual. • Maintain confidentiality. • Go through Safe Zone training and advertise your workspace as safe space by hanging the Safe Zone sign. • Challenge homophobic comments. For further information, to schedule a speaker, or if you wish to know more about being a GLBT Ally, please contact the GLBT Resource Center, Woody Hall B-260, 618.453.

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In his or her most general sense, an Ally is “a person who is a member of the dominant or majority group who works to end oppression in his or her personal and professional life through support of, and as an advocate for, the oppressed population.” (Washington and Evans, Becoming an Ally) Allies to racial, religious and ethnic minorities have been remarkably effective in promoting positive change in the dominant culture, and only recently has their instrumental position been extended to the area of sexual orientation. The past few years have witnessed the development of heterosexual Ally organizations which have attempted to make the culture of a campus or workplace more aware and accepting of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals. (Taken from HRC website.) Ten Ways to be an Ally! Don’t assume everyone is heterosexual. Do not ever out anyone. Just because you might know, don’t assume that others do. Avoid anti-gay jokes and conversations. Create an atmosphere of acceptan

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I had close friends who came out to me in high school, but it was not until I knew several openly gay and lesbian people in college that I began to realize the magnitude of the discrimination they faced. When I took my first job in the corporate world, I was fortunate to have an openly gay colleague with whom I worked closely. Not only did he teach me about marketing, brand management, and how to make the copier work without overheating, but he also taught me a great deal about my own misconceptions and stereotypes. In many states in the US, you can still legally be fired for being gay or lesbian, and even where laws provide equal protection, a great deal of homophobia and discrimination may continue. This is why I tell people that I am an ally, a straight person who supports equal rights for gay and lesbian people and for creating a workplace that allows employees to work to their potential without fear or distraction. So you want to be an ally? Many straight students want to be suppo

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An ally to the TBLG community is any person who affirms the experiences and rights of TBLG People. Allies make a conscious effort to fight heterosexism, transphobia, and homophobia. More information on Allies.

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Allies support the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, straight, and questioning communities. They pledge to help end discrimination and provide a safe space to each and every person in need of an ally. Becoming an ally means one can say the following “I” statements… • I am an ally for and with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, and that I am gutsy and courageous. • I know that I’ll be making a difference in the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender members of the campus community. • I am designated as a “safe person” for someone who is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender to talk to. This means I am committed to provide support and to maintain confidentiality. • I am committed to people with a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender roommate, friend, or family member who may wish to speak to someone. • I will work to confront homophobia and heterosexism by demonstrating my support of people in various ways. This may include speaking up when a homophobic joke

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