Being an Ally Within the LGBTQ+ Community

Many of us within the LGBTQ+ community forget that we are also allies to those with different identities than us. I know that I'm not the perfect ally, but here are some things that I think need to be kept in mind in order to be allies to each other.

1) Be willing to learn about identities different than yours, and the struggles those people face.

2) Use what you learn to protect and advocate for people with other identities.

3) Do NOT invalidate somebody's gender identity or sexual orientation.

4) Respect that everybody needs to do things in their own time. By this I mean, don't pressure somebody into doing something they're not ready for (specifically coming out). A gay person is still gay if they aren't completely out. A transgender person is still transgender, even if they haven't started presenting as the gender they identify with.

5) Remember that there's no right way to be queer. Please, don't shame anybody else for expressing their identity differently than you do.

Above all, keep in mind that being part of the LGBTQ+ community doesn't automatically make you an ally. If you want to be a good ally, you need to be willing to learn about, stand up for, and support others.