Genders, Sexualities, and more!

Pros and cons of being an Ally

In these parts I will be quoting websites you guys can go and visit for more information. 

Ally- not LGBTQIA+, but being very supportive and helping out those as part of the community.

I, am an ally. 

Allied individuals are very useful to the LGBTQIA+ community, as they provide help and support when not many others do. I'm not saying that other members of the LGBTQIA+ group don't help eachother, it's just that- today in public school many people can be afraid to express or even hint at their sexual/gender identification; in fear of judgement and being outcasted or alienated from their school environment and having the allied friends there who understand who you are can bring a light into your day. 

According to https://www.kent.edu/lgbtq/pros-and-cons-being-ally

Being an ally is a very important role to not only yourself but others as well. 

Learn more accurate information about the reality of being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.

-Open yourself up to the possibility of close relationships with a wider range of people.

-Become less locked into gender role expectations and stereotypes.Increase your ability to have close relationships with same gender friends.

-The opportunities to learn from, teach, and have an impact on a population with whom you might not have otherwise interacted.

-Empower yourself to take an active role in creating a more accepting world by countering prejudice and discrimination with understanding, support, and caring.

-May be a role model for others and your actions may help someone else gain the courage to speak and act in support of LGBTQ people.

-You may be the reason a friend, sibling, child, coworker, or someone else you know finds greater value in their life and develops a higher level of self-esteem.

-You may make a difference in the lives of young people who hear you confront derogatory language or speak supportively of LGBTQ people. 

-As a result of your action, they may feel that they have a friend to turn to instead of dropping out of school, using alcohol or drugs to numb the pain and loneliness, or contemplating or attempting suicide.

The last bullet point of this list is very true, as I have my own experience with it. Many of my friends are LGBTQIA+ in school and online, all of them are lovely but not all have a positive mental outlook on themselves and life. I have helped provide a sense of safety and comfort for those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and or actions.

Now almost everything comes with cons, some cons of being an ally or what may drive someone away from becoming an ally.

Others may speculate about your own sexual orientation or gender identity. You may be labeled as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender ―by association, which you might find uncomfortable.You may be criticized or ridiculed by others who do not agree with you or who consider offering support to LGBTQ people to be unimportant or unwarranted.You may experience alienation from friends, family members, or colleagues who are not comfortable with LGBTQ issues.You may become the target of overt or subtle discrimination by people who are homophobic.Your values, morality, and personal character may be questioned by people who believe that being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender is wrong, sinful, or against their family values.Some LGBTQ people may believe that you are actually LGBTQ but are not ready to admit it.Due to past negative experiences, some LGBTQ people may not trust you and may question your motivations.

**im sorry I haven't updated when I said I would! I've been busy with school work and job opportunities... I'll update as soon  as I can!**