#stephen cowden

LGBTQ+ Allyship is a Process

You’ll never know it all and you’ll never be perfect. But following the lead of your LGBTQ+ friends to CHALLENGE DISCRIMINATION is a vital way to show your love for all people. Most queer people will agree there are “allies” and then there are FABULOUS ALLIES! How can you live the love you proclaim? Here are 10 suggestions from Beloved Arise volunteer, Stephen Cowden, one of our favorite fabulous allies!!

10 Ways to be a Fabulous Ally to LGBTQ+ People

01: LISTEN, LISTEN, and LISTEN.

If you are cishet, don’t assume you know what it’s like to be queer. Make a habit of listening to LGBTQ+ voices.

02: AMPLIFY LGBTQ+ VOICES.

When you speak for them, you risk speaking over them. Instead, you should elevate their perspectives.

03: REJOICE WITH THEM.

Show the queer people around you that they are valued and recognize their faithfulness.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice…weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15

04: MOURN WITH LGBTQ+ FOLX.

Seek to understand the challenges they face. Validate the pain they feel.

05: PARTNER, DON’T PATRONIZE.

To you, LGBTQ+ inclusion may be an abstract cause. But it is very personal to lots of folx. Treat people like people rather than a cause.

06: DO YOUR OWN HOMEWORK.

Don’t expect queer folx to educate you. Allyship is not passive; you need to be proactive in your own learning and growth.

07: NORMALIZE QUEERNESS.

Put your pronouns in your social media profiles and email signatures. Use gender-neutral language. Don’t assume cisgender and heterosexual is the norm.

08: DISARM THE HATERS.

Arguing just gives them a platform, and let’s face it, many haters aren’t really open to changing their minds. Try this: respectfully acknowledge where you agree and disagree, and then move on…

09: ERR ON THE SIDE OF HUMILITY.

You will make mistakes. You will misspeak and misstep, so always be humble and willing to do better. 

10: LOVE OTHERS!

“Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it… Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.” Romans 12:9-10 The Message

To see this post in slide guide form, go here.