We are all living in a world today that truly defines what that words like diverse, unique, different have taken on a whole new meaning. This is no more true than those individuals, such as myself, who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.  This community has always been with us and I’m happy to say it continues to grow in prominence and strength through the efforts of many vocal individuals who have become more comfortable to express themselves, share their experiences, and proudly acknowledge their personal journey through the way they live their lives.

Sadly, this has not always been true.  For many years being part of this community was not something that someone was readily willing to acknowledge or share for fear of the ensuing repercussions that would happen.  This was the result of the alienation, ridicule, bigotry and harassment that a person would face from not only a prejudiced general population but from within their own family and friends as well.

These were not easy obstacles to overcome by any means, and it involved years and years of bringing prominence to the plight of what at the time was a fragile community.  However, through protests, public action, education, open and frank discussion, and advocacy the tides were turned. Progress was made to turn the tidal wave of judgement, hate, and misunderstanding to facing the reality that everyone was entitled to personally and lawfully pursue their lives freely and without discrimination.  And the fight continues, as universal acceptance and freedom is still the goal!

With all this said, what does it mean being an ally for LGBTQ+ in today’s world? What do these words actually mean to anyone reading them? In short, Being an ally for LGBTQ+ Community means unconditional kindness with no judgment at all of another’s life experiences. Really, this should apply to not only being an ally, but to being a human being. Unconditional kindness is something our world needs more than ever. And who are the members of the LGBTQ+ community? Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer. The “+” signifies that one acronym can’t capture everyone’s experience of their gender identity or expression and/or sexual orientation. “Queer” is a word that historically has been used as a slur or insult against members of the LGBTQ+ community.

But how does someone go about becoming supportive as an ally to help promote and advocate for the members of the LGBTQ+ community?

The picture below is a simple visible representation of what are some of the ways this can be accomplished.

Learn about issues that are important to the community

Take care of the people in your life who need your support

Encourage family and friends to be allies

Let people in the LGBTQ+ community speak for themselves

Be visible and support the community

Simple, right?  Well, not simple really.  It takes courage, consistency, and effort to make what seems simple to actually become a habit as easy and commonplace as  getting up in the morning! The great thing about being an ally for one group of people is that it can open your eyes to be an ally for everyone. People don’t fit into just one box. ‘Intersectionality’ is a term used to describe all the different identities or social categorizations a person has. If someone who identifies as LGBTQIA+ is also a person of color or also lives with a disability, they might be discriminated against because of each of these identities. So, when you stand up for one marginalized group, you’re standing up for them all.

Being an ally for LGBTQ+ Community ally and an effective one, we have to be intersectional – which means we can’t just fight for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people. We have to be fighting for equality for everyone, regardless of their race, gender identity, disability or sexual preference. This means going to rallies and events, calling out homophobia, transphobia or queerphobia wherever you see it, and supporting businesses, charities or other initiatives owned or operated by LGBTQIA+ people.

Being an ally for LGBTQ+ Community

Here’s another list of ways you can work to be an ally of the LGTQ+ Community:

10 Ways to Be an Ally & a Friend

1. Be a listener.
2. Be open-minded.
3. Be willing to talk.
4. Be inclusive and invite LGBT friends to hang out with your friends and family.
5. Don’t assume that all your friends and co-workers are straight. Someone close to you could be looking for support in their coming-out process. Not making assumptions will give them the space they need.
6. Anti-LGBT comments and jokes are harmful. Let your friends, family and co-workers know that you find them offensive.
7. Confront your own prejudices and bias, even if it is uncomfortable to do so.
8. Defend your LGBT friends against discrimination.
9. Believe that all people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect.
10. If you see LGBT people being misrepresented in the media, contact us at glaad.org.

Remember, you really can make a difference to other people. That is what Being an ally for LGBTQ+ Community is all about.

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A few words about me, and about John Ryan and J&J Studios of Philadelphia

My name is Raymond Dobrovolsky

I am a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, and proud to be a blogger and member of the J&J Studios team. I also serve as an LGBTQ+ friendly wedding officiant and can be found at www.thesinginingministernj.com

I have had the great pleasure and honor of officiating at a number of gay and lesbian weddings throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.  These special moments with these special couples are inspiring and give hope that happiness and joy can exist for all couples now and in the future ongoing.

Owner John Ryan is an award winning photographer and the entire J&J Studios team not only support the LGBTQ+ community but advocate for them through the work and caring they display in their ongoing interaction and capturing of the special events in their lives. John and his team truly practice being an ally for LGBTQ+ Community individuals. Their impressive work follows a simple guideline of “to produce media that educates and inspires change for good”.

These are just a few of the events John and his team have covered and supported.

This is in addition to his exquisite work capturing LGBTQ+ nuptuals

If you’d like to know more about John, his work, and his support for causes at large, please visit his website at https://jjstudiosphiladelphia.com/