How can allies help? A brief list of ideas/suggestions

[Modem Butterfly]

What are some things you'd like to see from the allied community? Here are some of mine.

1) Do not tolerate gay jokes, bashing or discrimination, even tacitly (silence = approval)

2) Use whatever power you have to increase tolerance for LGBT folks (for instance, I lobbied, and got, my company to add sexual orientation to our non-discrimination policy).

3) Vocally refuse to patronize bigoted businesses and support those businesses that aren't bigoted.

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

1. Freedom Bus rides to Liberty University and Bob jones

and through all the states that have passed ANY anti- GLBT law

[readmoreoften]

2. read up on our issues

Fighting for us is totally fantastic. I have nothing but respect for our straight allies. Becoming educated on our issues is paramount. Read threads. Read our books. Understand our issues. (Not just the marriage issue.) Fight for trans people, gender varient people, intersexed rights too.

Thanks for working to help us.

[troubleinwinter]

3. Ally here....

"Becoming educated on our issues is paramount." It's why I'm here.

[troubleinwinter]

4. And support however I can

[northernsoul]

5. I hear ya, any recommendations?

I've already done a little legal work for Out!Law, but I know I've got a lot to learn.

[Moloch]

6. Gay jokes can be funny...

As long as they are not mean-spirited I don't see the harm in them. Hell, I make them all the time. I don't see how losing our sense of humour benefits anyone.

[Modem Butterfly]

9. I'm really talking about the nasty gay jokes

You know, like any joke that has AIDS as a punchline. As a straight person, sometimes I hear jokes that (hopefully) wouldn't be said around a gay person who is "out". But I agree with you that a sense of humor is very important.

[Not Me]

7. Speaking out...especially in church settings

Challenging the selective interpretation of the Old Testament, especially in the context of Christ's inclusive love.

[Mrs. Venation]

8. Write Letters To Your Elected Officials

Let your federal, state and local elected officials know that a vote against the interests of any citizen will result in losing your support. I think this is especially critical when state and local legislative bodies consider anti-gay laws and regulations.

Also, write letters to the editor of your local papers in support of equality. I think it helps when our straight-but-not-narrow allies identify themselves as such.

Support charities that offer assistance to our cause. There are many people in need, and too few dollars to go around.

Thank you for asking for our suggestions. :yourock:

[dddem]

11. I have that bumper sticker!

"straight but not narrow". As soon as I can bring myself to remove my Kerry/Edwards sticker, I'm going to add one I saw that says "Support Disney Family Values - When you wish upon a star, makes NO DIFFERENCE who you are". Dontcha love it?
God Bless.

[auntAgonist]

10. There are 5

people in my office that I work with who are Gay. One man is a personal friend of ours. I've been 'lobbying' at work for 'same sex benefits' but things are hung up now with Michigan's vote against "gay marriage and civil unions" damnthemall.

I'll keep on keepin' on as best I can. It's not much but geez .. I can try :)

[ncrainbowgrrl]

12. thank you!

:hi:
:yourock:

We need more people like you. Thanks for everything you do.