jarsofwind
in
gsa_lj
(no subject)
I'm involved in an organization called Triangle Speakers. TS sends panels to middle schools, high schools, college classes and student group meetings, religious organizations, health organizations, etc. The panelists are all volunteers, and each panel has someone who is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and an ally. Each person shares a 3-minute autobiography and then there is usually at least an hour for questions. Audience members are encouraged to ask just about anything and we let them know that it's a safe environment for their questions. They also have the opportunity to speak to us individually after the program.
I am the ally speaker on these panels, so the question I get the most often is "Can you tell me how to be a good ally?" I always refer them to the other panelists because LGBT folks know what makes them comfortable and what doesn't. Then, I usually tell them that the most important thing is to be a good listener, to let people know that it's not ok to use "gay" as a derogatory term, and I encourage them to make themselves visible as allies (i.e. displaying buttons, stickers, whatever...I put a "Safe Person, Safe Space" card on the door to my office so my students know I support them, etc). I also tell them that changing their own language can make a difference if they haven't already (for example, saying "Are you dating someone?" instead of "Do you have a boyfriend?" or "Do you have a girlfriend?")
I was wondering if any of you have any other suggestions. The more I learn, the more I can share. I have my first high school and middle school panels coming up soon, and I'm looking forward to them (so far I've only spoken with college students and county health professionals). Let me know if there's anything you think I should add when people ask "What makes a good ally?" Thanks in advance!
I am the ally speaker on these panels, so the question I get the most often is "Can you tell me how to be a good ally?" I always refer them to the other panelists because LGBT folks know what makes them comfortable and what doesn't. Then, I usually tell them that the most important thing is to be a good listener, to let people know that it's not ok to use "gay" as a derogatory term, and I encourage them to make themselves visible as allies (i.e. displaying buttons, stickers, whatever...I put a "Safe Person, Safe Space" card on the door to my office so my students know I support them, etc). I also tell them that changing their own language can make a difference if they haven't already (for example, saying "Are you dating someone?" instead of "Do you have a boyfriend?" or "Do you have a girlfriend?")
I was wondering if any of you have any other suggestions. The more I learn, the more I can share. I have my first high school and middle school panels coming up soon, and I'm looking forward to them (so far I've only spoken with college students and county health professionals). Let me know if there's anything you think I should add when people ask "What makes a good ally?" Thanks in advance!