Allies

What does it mean to be an Ally and Advocate?

Ally – A straight, heterosexual, cisgender, or non-queer person who accepts, respects, and actively supports members of the LGBTQIA+ community. They work alongside LGBTQIA+ partners in defending and protecting LGBTQIA+ individuals. They speak out against injustice and inequality and stand up for LGBTQIA+ rights. They help to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues. They affirm and celebrate the contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Advocate – Any person who actively promotes justice and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community. They raise awareness and educate others regarding the important issues and concerns among LGBTQIA+ Individuals. They defend LGBTQIA+ rights and protection and speak out against discrimination. They take the lead in advancing the cause of LGBTQIA+ recognition and well-being.

What Can Allies and Advocates Do?

There are a number of ways allies can show support for LGBTQIA+ individuals:

• Be open-minded and provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment for students, faculty, and staff.
• Respect others' experiences and views.
• Be an active listener and Willing to talk.
• Be discreet and respect privacy.
• Use inclusive, non-gender-specific language that does not reflect assumptions about the gender identity or sexual orientation of others. Review your offices/ department publications, suggest changes to remove noninclusive language, and include welcoming statements that set ground rules for respect.
• Avoid assumptions about gender identity/ expression, political views, perspectives, or opinions.
• Learn about resources for LGBTQIA+ individuals at NDSU and in the surrounding community so that you can provide appropriate referrals.
• Know your own biases, fears, and perceptions. Know what you are comfortable talking about, and be prepared to refer individuals to others when necessary.
• Know your limits. Know when it is necessary to refer individuals to an expert who can assist them better.
• Avoid making homophobic, biphobic, transphobic, and heterosexist remarks, jokes, and statements. Consider speaking with others making such remarks or jokes to raise their awareness.
• Report all instances of harassment or discriminatory behavior.
• Display materials supporting the LGBTQIA+ community (flags, flyers for activities, posters, cards, a Safe Zone sign, etc.) and attend events
• Seek out accurate information and stay up-to-date about issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Validate individuals' gender expressions, by using pronouns and names provided
• Stand beside, not in front of, those in the LGBTQIA+ community and not expecting special recognition for being an ally, and not taking credit for others' ideas.
• Remember that gender identity and sexual orientation are only part of a person's identity.
• Be aware that any person you talk to could be straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, questioning, queer, trans, intersex, asexual, and/or gender nonconforming.
• Avoid using terms such as boyfriend and girlfriend; use partner or spouse instead.