Pride Month is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reflect on how we can all contribute to a more inclusive and supportive world. For Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver, being an ally means creating a safe and welcoming environment for all of our Club kids. Whether you're a parent, mentor, or a friend, here are some practical steps to becoming a better ally to LGBTQ+ youth.
Educate Yourself
Understanding the rich history and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community is a crucial step to becoming a better ally. It is important to take the time to read about LGBTQ+ history, learn the terminology, and explore the experiences of different identities within the community. There are many resources available online, including documentaries, books, and educational websites like The Center on Colfax, GLSEN, and The Safe Zone, that can provide valuable insights.
Listen
Active listening is one of the most powerful ways to support LGBTQ+ youth. Give kids the space to share their thoughts and experiences. Validating their feelings, letting them know that their voices are heard and respected, helps to build trust and demonstrates that you are a safe person to talk to.
Affirm
A simple affirmation can make a world of difference for LGBTQ+ youth. Telling a young person, "you are remarkable exactly as you are," can be incredibly empowering and make a kid feel seen. Affirmations like this help to foster a positive self-image and reinforce the idea that they are valued and loved for being themselves.
Use Inclusive Language
Inclusive language fosters a culture of acceptance and support, ensuring everyone feels seen and respected. Avoid assuming someone's gender or sexual orientation based on appearance or behavior. Instead, it is helpful to use gender-neutral terms until you know a person’s preferred name and pronouns. This small but significant practice helps everyone feel acknowledged and valued for who they are.
Promote Representation
Representation matters. Seek out LGBTQ+ representation in the books, movies, music, and other forms of media that you and the youth in your life consume. Seeing themselves reflected in media can help LGBTQ+ youth feel seen and understood. Additionally, media representation can help non-LGBTQ+ youth develop empathy and understanding.
By embracing these steps, we can all help build a more inclusive world for the LGBTQ+ community. Together, we can foster environments where every young person feels safe, respected, and loved for who they are. Let's celebrate Pride Month with a commitment to being allies every day of the year.