Be an Ally/LGBTQ 101
LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and more) related terminology is rapidly changing and represents many different communities.
We offer multiple resources for you here to begin to explore LGBTQI terminology. Note when working with individuals it is important to use the terminology and pronouns with which they most identify.
Terminology
GLAAD’s Transgender Glossary of Terms
GLAAD’s Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual Glossary of Terms
GLAAD’s An Ally’s Guide to Terminology: Talking about LGBT People and Equality lays out terms to use and terms to avoid, and why. This is a great way to introduce yourself to appropriate language regarding LGBT folks.
Allyship
Being an ally to LGBTQ+ individuals and communities is a process, and something that a person has to work on every day. While we can't give any one person a definitive list of actions to take to be a supportive and helpful ally in every situation, here are some links to get you started.
The Gender Equity Resource Center at UC Berkeley created this fantastic guide about ways to be an active ally.
National LGBT Advocacy Groups
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
Gay, Lesbian and Straight Educators Network (GLSEN)
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund (LLDEF)
Lesbian and Gay Immigration Rights Task Force (LGIRTF)