How to Be an Ally for the LGBTQ+ Community

June is #PrideMonth and supporting our LGBTQ+ clients and community of followers as an ally is one of the special ways we’re celebrating! 🏳️‍🌈

While expressing support is important, we also want to share NAMI’s tips for being an ally for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer People:

• Use neutral language until you know for certain how the person identifies.

• Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ issues.

• Don’t expect members of any group that is the target of bias (e.g., LGBTQ+ people, BIPOC, women, people with disabilities) to act as the “experts” to educate others about their group.

• Explore ways to creatively integrate LGBTQ+ issues in your work.

• Challenge stereotypes that others may have about LGBTQ+ people.

• Examine the effect that sexual orientation and gender identity have on people’s lives and development.

• Listen to and believe LGBTQ+ people when they tell you they are experiencing discrimination or problematic treatment.

• Ask for support if you are experiencing harassment or other problems related to your raising LGBTQ+ issues.

• Prepare yourself for a journey of change and growth that will come by exploring sexual orientation, gender identity, and other issues. It can be exciting, painful, and enlightening.

Take a moment to view resources, including helpful articles by NAMI that help educate and amplify LGBTQ+ community.

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