LGBT+ History Month: This is the one thing we wish allies would do more of

By Sara Keenan

This year we are celebrating 20 years of UK LGBT+ History Month.

Founded by Schools Out in 2005, each February shines a light on the progress, achievements and ongoing battle for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights.

Progress still needs to be made though. The charity Stonewall found that only half of lesbian, gay and bisexual people (46%) and trans people (47%) feel able to be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity to everyone in their family.

Additionally, three in 10 bisexual men, and almost one in 10 bisexual women, say they cannot be open about their sexual orientation with any of their friends.

As we celebrate the milestone, here’s what some people wish that heterosexual and cis-gendered people would do more of.

Champion LGBTQ+ people when they’re not in the room

“Use your voice to uplift ours – advocate for us, create platforms for our stories and integrate our experiences into everyday conversations,” says Tate Smith, activist and founder of Tate Smith Consulting.

“Don’t let homophobia, biphobia or transphobia go unchallenged. Allyship should be proactive, not performative.”

The 25-year-old from London adds: “We need meaningful support, not virtue signalling. It’s about action, consistency and courage – because real allyship happens when no one is watching!”

Full article available here.