Pride - showing up and abandoning the community.

Going to pride events recently has made me realise one thing. Some people are there for the LGBTQIA+ community. There are a lot of celebrities who are allies to the LGBTQIA+ community. Earlier on in the month I visited Canterbury for their pride event because I liked it last year and they normally have some well known singers joining the main stage. Plus it is free! This year I got to witness Atomic Kitten's very own Natasha Hamilton. She was incredible! It is great to see people be supportive.

Now you might be wondering what you can do to be supportive. Here are just some of the ways that you can be supportive...

1: Go to pride events.

Pride is more than just an event with music. It is a rebellion against the discrimination that the LGBTQIA+ community and a reminder of how far we have come. It is a celebration to be our authentic selves. Look at all the hatred and disadvantages the LGBTQIA+ community have suffered, are suffering  and continue to suffer from. Pride is still needed!

2: Make an effort to use someone's correct pronouns.

I know sometimes people may get it wrong by accident or genuinely forget but there is no excuse to purposefully misgender someone. What also helps is to talk about pronouns, ask people what theirs are and help to break down barriers. I mean where pronouns are  concerned, we all have them; regardless of the people who whinge about them or deny their existence. One thing you could even do is wear a pronouns badge so that people who are not cisgender more likely feel comfortable or safer around you. It can be reassuring to people when they know someone cares and won't criticise them instead.

3: Never under any circumstances "out" someone.

This is a bad idea and could lead to someone not talking to you or feeling depressive. Someone might worry what would happen if certain others knew about their sexuality or gender identity. Perhaps it might not be safe for someone to come out. Currently conversion therapy has been banned by the UK. After years of the Conservatives claiming they would ban it, they never did. They also never wanted to include conversion therapy for trans or non-binary people in their ban. It is disgusting that we have had to wait years for the possibility of a ban. Despite me not liking the current U.K Labour government, it seems Labour might do one thing right.

4: Be a good listener to people.

Sometimes people are scared to come out for various reasons. This might include worrying how people will take it or worrying that people will act differently around them. As long as you listen to them and let them open up tp you in your time, you are doing good. If people think they can open up to you without fear of judgement, it might alleviate some of their stresses or anxieties.

5: Never judge or be nosy to someone.

It is fine to ask questions when you are unsure but not loads of questions in a row as if they are a potential suspect being interview, with you being very nosy. Being too nosy or too judgy can mean people will close up. As I mentioned in my previous point, you do not want to do too much because they will more likely open up. As well, if someone says they are pansexual then do not judge them, tell them they are 'probably just bi' or ask a lot of personal questions such as questions about people they have been with.

These are of course some of the ways in which you can be supportive to LGBTQIA+ people, whether they are friends, family or someone else.

Until next time,

Thomas (they/them).