Are you an ally?

An ally is a person who supports youth who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning about their sexual orientation or gender identity (LGBTQIA+) and works with them on equality issues.

Allies play an important role in ensuring that schools are safe for everyone.

They can be many people: straight students who join a gay-straight alliance (GSA), parents who actively promote diversity in their children's school, or teachers who are committed to helping LGBTQIA+ students feel safe at school and have LGBTQIA+ issues discussed.

Adult allies can be very helpful, as they often have the power to act on behalf of students.

Check any of the following ways you can be an ally this year.

• I will try to be unbiased.

• I will try not to make assumptions regarding people's sexual orientation or gender identity.

• When I hear other people say things like, "That's so gay," "Fa***t," or "Look at that d**e," I will stand up and protest the use of that kind of language.

• I will help form a GSA at my school.

• I will attend a GSA group meeting at my school.

• I will wear a rainbow or triangle pin.

• I will help educate others about discrimination and the contributions of LGBTQIA+ people.

• I will attend LGBTQIA+ activities (Pride parades, plays, etc.).

• I will help advocate for my school to adopt an anti-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity.

• I will ensure that school activities are inclusive of everyone.

• I will request books written by LGBTQIA+ authors and about LGBTQIA+ people and issues for the school library.

If you've done some of the above, you're already an ally - keep up the good work! If you haven't done them, there's no better time than now to start doing them.