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The Importance of Allies

As noted previously, allies play an important role in the child welfare system by promoting and contributing to organizational and system cultures in which LGBT2SQ people are valued and respected. They model behaviours and practices that affirm the identities, worth, and equality of children and youth.⁶⁴ Allies stand-up to homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, and all forms of oppression through their ongoing actions.

Allies can feel confident that while their support may seem small, these acts can make a significant difference in the lives of LGBT2SQ children and youth, and promote positive system and organizational change.

RESOURCE: Info and tips on how to be an ally to LGBT2SQ children and youth

• EGALE Human Rights Trust: How to be an LGBTQ Ally
  https://egale.ca/how-to-be-an-lgbtq-ally/

How you can be an ally

• Assume in every conversation that there are LGBT2SQ people or people with LGBT2SQ loved ones in the room. Allies consider how others might be affected by the tone and direction of the conversation.
• Do not make assumptions about how people identify. Listen for, or politely ask at the appropriate moments, how someone identifies (e.g., gay, lesbian, cisgender, transgender, gender-fluid, genderqueer), and what name and gender pronoun (e.g., he, she, they) they prefer.
• Recognize how being cisgender and/or heterosexual is privileged in society, and identify ways to use that privilege to support LGBT2SQ people and communities.
• Use inclusive language in both individual and group conversations so that everyone feels welcome (e.g., use partner instead of only “boyfriend” or only “girlfriend”; “hi everyone” instead of “boys and girls” or “ladies and gentlemen”).
• Listen respectfully to the experiences and perspectives of LGBT2SQ children and youth, validate what is shared and acknowledge that homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia exist, and that it takes courage to share personal stories and ideas.
• Speak up when witnessing offensive language or bullying behaviour. Addressing homophobia, transphobia, and biphobia is a shared responsibility, not just that of LGBT2SQ people alone.
• Promote inclusive practices, policies, and procedures that address barriers for LGBT2SQ children and youth (e.g., lack of LGBT2SQ positive messaging, spaces, programs, non-inclusive forms) within an organization.
• Recognize and address the intersecting identities and possible multiple oppressions that a child or youth may experience, and the unique situations and barriers that they may face (e.g., LGBT2SQ children and youth who are Indigenous, Black, racialized, live with a disability).
• Let all children and youth know that you are open to talking about and affirming LGBT2SQ identities and experiences.