WHAT YOU CAN DO AS AN ALLY
I held an interview with a member of the LGBTQ community to see what she thought a good ally should do. I wanted to know first hand what allies should do for the community. A huge thank you Grace for taking your time out of your day to help me out!
Me: First off, thank you for meeting with me! Before we get started, what do you identify as, sexuality wise and gender wise?
Grace: Of course! I’m so happy I could help. I identify as asexual, and I use she/her pronouns.
Me: Great! What do you think are the main things that people need to realise about being asexual in the United States?
Grace: I definitely think that people need to realise that we are part of the LGBTQ community, and that we know our sexuality better than others. Also, we can be in happy relationships without sexual attraction. I am very romantically attracted to my boyfriend of a year, but I don’t need to have sexual parts in our relationship to be happy.
Me: Aww, cute! When you come out to someone, what is one thing that would make you feel instantly accepted?
Grace: Don’t make it seem like a big deal if it isn’t one. I genuinely love when people don’t make my identity into my entire personality. It’s always helpful not to tell anyone, especially if they ask you not to.
Me: If someone doesn’t tell you to keep it to yourself, what do you recommend that you do?
Grace: Chances are, if they felt the need to sit down and actually explain their sexuality to you, they most likely aren’t entirely open about it. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Me: How do you feel about religion being used to justify not being ally?
Grace: I don’t understand the belief that God will hate me (or anyone) because of their sexual identity. It doesn’t add up. How is it that we don’t even know that God exists, but we do know that the LGBTQ community exists and we choose to hate the millions that do exist? Just because one person may have said something? I don’t personally understand it.
Me: How should one deal with their religious views and values when someone comes out to them?
Grace: Just don’t bring them up. Your friend needs your support right now, the least you could do is give that to them.
Me: I couldn’t agree more. Well that wraps everything up, thank you for answering my questions Grace!
Grace: Of course, anytime! See you later!