It's Pride Month! How to Celebrate as an Ally
Love is Love. Our Maryland therapists explain how to show the love to your LGBTQIA+ friends and family this month and always.
PRIDE month is an opportunity to celebrate friends, family, and neighbors who identify as LGBTQIA+ That may include your child (even if you don’t yet know it), or yourself! If it doesn’t, you may be wondering what it all means, and why we celebrate. Here’s a short guide.
PRIDE is a chance for people who are treated as “different” because of their gender identity or sexuality to visibly celebrate who they are, among others who are doing the same. It celebrates progress made toward civil rights for LGBTQIA+ people. And creates an opportunity to highlight the progress yet to be made through parades and demonstrations.
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ Families
The visibility of PRIDE celebrations is important for several reasons. First, large crowds can create safety in numbers. In our country, LGBTQIA+ people are still victimized at significantly higher rates than their “straight” (heterosexual) and cisgender counterparts.
Participating in PRIDE as a straight and/or cisgender person is a way of showing support for LGBTQIA+ people around you, and letting them know that they are safe in your presence.
Second, showing pride in aspects of our identity is part of healthy identity development. It’s a step on the way to full integration of all aspects of ourselves.
How do you show pride in aspects of your identity? Do you display a flag of your family’s country of origin? A Black Lives Matter or Stop Asian Hate sign? Do you wear something that symbolizes your religion?
What to Do When Someone Comes Out to You
When someone chooses to share this part of their identity with you, it’s an invitation to join the circle of people they truly trust. Take the opportunity to expand your knowledge.
Ask what the term they used means to them. Like any other word, it can have different meanings to different people. And ask what they need from you.
Unsure if you’re ready or able to be supportive? Exploring these challenges in family therapy can help.
This person is also inviting you to become an ally. Not sure how to do that? Keep reading.
Steps to Becoming an Ally for Your LGBTQIA+ Child (or Friend)
Listen: Follow my lead to what I need.
Widen the Circle of Safety
display symbols of safety
don’t “out” someone
use each person’s chosen pronouns
speak up when you hear “othering” language
elect officials who support LGBTQIA+ rights
Learn: Read about LGBTQIA+ history and terminology on your own.
Advocate: Teach others what you have learned. Contact your elected officials about the needs of LGBTQIA+ people. Give to LGBTQIA+ causes if you are able.
We are Maryland Therapists for LGBTQIA+ Individuals, Couples, and Families
You choose your partner(s) and the structure of your family. Not your therapist. Or your parents. Or anyone else. And we’re here to help you strengthen the relationships you chose. Get started today.
