I am sure you have some friends which are part of the LGBT community. Being a supportive and accepting ally is really important to all of us in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Here is just a short list of what you can do to support your friends:
Stand up to homophobia and transphobia
One of the greatest ways you can show your support, is actively fighting against homophobia and transphobia.
If you are with an LGBT friend, and someone is make remarks about their sexuality or gender - stand up to them, and let them know that it is not ok.
Educate your friends and family about LGBT acceptance
The best way that we can change people's outlooks on the LGBT, is to educate.
Have open conversations about the LGBT community to your friends and family, and educate them if they may not know something about it.
Too much discrimination is rooted in false-information or ignorance.
Use their preferred pronouns
If your friend is trans or non-binary, make sure that you use their preferred pronouns.
And it's okay if you have to ask what their preferred pronouns are...
This is a huge one, because it shows that you are truly accepting of the individual and you recognise their identity.
I know it may be hard at first, but you'll get used to it. PS, some non-binary and trans people may prefer to be referred to as they/them.
Be an active ally on social media
Social media holds great power nowadays, we can use that power to support our LGBT friends.
Actively speak about LGBT issues and what is currently going on at the moment, it may be as simple as sharing a post speaking about homophobia in Poland or any other current issue.
One thing you can do to show your support for the trans/non-binary community is stating your pronouns in your bio. This is typically done by trans and non-binary individuals to help their followers gender them correctly. When cis individuals do this, they normalise it - showing their deep support.
Donate to charitable organisations and sign petitions
Of course there is a large political background to the LGBT community - so signing petitions and donating to charitable organisations can help those in need, and help fight injustice.
Of course not everyone is able to donate, but if you do wish to - I will link a few charities you can donate to. But don't forget how important signing petitions is too, it helps create real change.
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