Be an Ally! Create Inclusion!
What is an ally?
An ally is a heterosexual, cisgender person who supports LGBTIQ+ rights and gender equality. An ally acknowledges that LGBTIQ+ people face discrimination and uses their position and privilege to counter discrimination against LGBTIQ+ people.
Be an Ally! Create Inclusion!
Allies are vital to create safe spaces for LGBTIQ+ students.
Young LGBTIQ+ people need support and affirmation from their families, communities, schools and colleges. As a minority group, LGBTIQ+ youth are extremely vulnerable, so respect, support, visibility and inclusion are very important for them to be able to grow and learn as they should.
Having great allies in their communities is an important part of creating a supportive and safe environment for young LGBTIQ+ peopleIn South Africa, our Constitution asks us all to be allies, and to value and respect everyone equally.
Creating the inclusive and equal society and communities demanded by our Constitution takes focus and commitment from everyone. Homophobia is sometimes entrenched in communities and takes effort from an entire community to overcome.
Ensuring that the rights of LGBTIQ+ students are respected and upheld and that our whole educational system is safe and fully inclusive is a challenging responsibility for all stakeholders in the educational system.
Allies can prevent homophobia and homophobic bullying from being ignored.
