Master Grazia’s life skills

Amelia Abraham, journalist and author of Queer Intentions

You may have noticed a bigger-than-usual show of LGBTQ+ solidarity in June (Pride month). Even the Ladbrokes on my way to work has been flying a rainbow flag. But this year, Pride was extra special; we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, when LGBTQ+ people fought back against police attempting to raid a New York gay bar in June 1969. Stonewall is the reason we have Pride: the first march in the UK marked its one-year anniversary.

But while June was an important moment to pause and reflect, being an ally is about showing an interest in LGBTQ+ issues all year round. It can be frustrating when straight people come to Pride parades but don’t want any other involvement with the community – or, worse yet, when brands sponsor Pride for marketing purposes, but don’t support LGBTQ+ causes elsewhere.

The simplest way to be an ally is to listen to LGBTQ+ people; be sensitive to trans or gender non-binary people by paying attention to the pronouns by which they want to be addressed; keep yourself informed about the human rights abuses we still suffer globally today; and if you’re confused about transgender rights, follow trans activists online.

The next step is to take positive action. Correct yourself if you mess up our pronouns ( if you’re unsure, just ask – usually we don’t mind). If you think something is unjust, sign a petition or attend a protest. And if you can, donate to a charity that supports LGBTQ+ causes, like the Kaleidoscope Trust or Stonewall. Due to the discrimination we still face, homelessness and isolation in old age are serious problems for us. Looking up charities that work to address these issues, like Opening Doors London, is a great starting point.