Presenters: Zerr Her Abby Novak Ally Training

Introductions Name Year in school/Age Major/Occupation P.G.P. o Preferred Gender Pronoun  He/she/they/zie Reason for coming

Safe Space Rules We will respect everyone’s needs, feelings and opinions. We will agree to disagree. We will not put down ourselves or others, even in humor. We will work to make everyone feel welcome and involved. We will keep personal stories and names anonymous. Brainstorm rules for maintaining a safe space.

Steps to Becoming an Ally Step 1 Awareness Step 2 Knowledge Step 3 Skills Step 4 Action

Explore how you are different from and similar to LGBTIQQAA people. Gain this awareness through talking with people who are part of the community, attending workshops, and through self-examination. It Gets Better Project Awareness Privilege: Your experiences of privilege as an ally?

LGBTHeteronormative Don’t worry about hiding anything Live comfortably, Dress how you want You are “Normal,” Legally marry Show affection, pain, Talk about relationship Additional Privileges o Open support from family and friends. o Your partner as part of your family. o Your friends’ sexuality isn’t questioned because of you. o Workplaces privileges Heteronormative Privilege

Educate yourself on the many communities, cultures and identities of LGBTIQQAA people. Terms Symbols Knowledge

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender IntersexQueer Questioning Asexual Ally Term: LGBTIQQAA

More Terms Biological/Physical Sex o Hormones o Chromosomes o Genitals Gender o Gender Role  Socially constructed o Gender Identity  Biological sex and gender identity don’t always match up! Sexual Orientation o Spectrum o Not the same as sexual behavior or romantic orientation

Tuh-tuh-tuh-TERMS! Non-binary o Umbrella term o Rejects gender binary

In the Closet A person who has self- identified as a member of the community but conceals this information. Often this is related to the perceived safety of the environment.

A process of disclosing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity Continual process Coming Out

Symbols: Flags Rainbow Bisexual Transgender Pansexual Asexual Genderqueer Intersex

More Symbols Male Female Transgender/ Queer GayLesbian Bisexual Female Bisexual Male

Consider your awareness and knowledge. COMMUNICATE it to others. You can acquire those skills through workshops, role-playing with friends or peers, and developing supportive connections. Skills

How to be an Ally Language Be non-gender specific Do not assume someone’s sexual orientation Challenge conceptions on gender appropriate roles/behaviors Don’t make assumptions based on attraction Respect others’ gender expressions Speak out Educate yourself Support and get involved with LGBT causes and organizations

An Ally… Develops an understanding Believes it is in their self- interest to advocate for others Is committed to personal growth Able to acknowledge differences and privilege Makes mistakes

You may have to repeatedly “come out” and tell friends and family that you support the LGBT community. Be prepared to defend yourself and the rights of your friends and loved ones. Be inclusive and invite LGBT friends to hang out with your friends and family. 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. By asserting that you are an ally, they may come to you for help in this process. Homophobic comments and jokes are harmful. Let your friends, family and co-workers know that you find them offensive. Coming Out as an Ally

Yay! Scenarios

What is difficult about some of these responses?

What’s the Trade Off? Gain self respect Gain the respect of others Support a closeted LGBT friend in the group Model acceptance of differences for friends

Action is the most important and most frightening step. Despite the fear, action is the only way to create change in society. Action

Ally Buttons! What qualities and attributes does an ally possess?

For more information, contact the UW-L Pride Center at Questions?