Here's how to be a good ally to the LGBTQIA+ community if you're straight
People of Sydney, get out there because the last few days of World Pride are upon us, and I’m going to shed some glitter tears at the thought of it.
The 17-day festival kicked off in Sydney last month with loads of events, parades, shows and other cultural activities championing diversity and equality.
World Pride, licensed by InterPride and organised by one of its members, is an event that promotes visibility and awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, and queer (LGBTIQ+) issues on a worldwide scale.
And as part of the 2023's festival, this year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade has returned to its original route along Oxford Street to celebrate the 45th anniversary.
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However, celebrations are not strictly for the LGBTQI+ community, but also for allies.
Being a good ally means championing the rights of the queer community, fostering a safe space for all and elevating these voices so they are heard.
While the journey to being an integral ally can be uncomfortable for some, they must stay informed and educate themselves if they plan to elicit any real change.
LADbible took to the streets of Sydney to ask festival-goers what it means to be a good ally, aside from just wearing rainbow leggings and posting about it on social media.
One festival-goer revealed some simple yet effective words of wisdom: “Think about how you would want to be treated, and that’s how you should treat everyone else. It’s love, right? Just happiness.”
Their friend also chimed in with: “Pure love, just accept everybody, have a good time and just take care of everybody.”
While another shared a similar sentiment: “Look you just be kind, really, it’s just that simple. Be kind, say hi to people, be friendly, and yeah, that’s all - wear glitter.”
Noted!
However, another said that being a good ally means ‘showing support and acceptance’.
No one likes a judgy queen; the best way to approach life is with an open heart and mind.
“I guess being a good ally is all about showing support and acceptance, tolerance of people for who they are, not being judgy and just accept[ing] people for who they wanna be and actually are," they said.
Another suggested: “Just being there for your friend and listening and not being judgemental.”
While another said: “By loving everyone and being present in the moment.”
It's alway worth noting that being an alley isn't a job just during World Pride, Mardi Gras or when you go to a LGBTQIA+ bar, it's year round.
WorldPride will run until March 5, so continue to follow that rainbow road, people!
Charisa Bossinakis