Ally Training Presenters Zerr Her Abby Novak Introductions

Ally Training Presenters: Zerr Her Abby Novak

Introductions • • Name Year in school/Age Major/Occupation P. G. P. o Preferred Gender Pronoun § He/she/they/zie • Reason for coming

Safe Space Rules We will respect everyone’s needs, feelings and opinions. We will keep personal stories and names anonymous. We will agree to disagree. Brainstorm rules for maintaining a safe space. We will work to make everyone feel welcome and involved. We will not put down ourselves or others, even in humor.

Steps to Becoming an Ally Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Awareness Knowledge Skills Action

Awareness • • • Explore how you are different from and similar to LGBTIQQAA people. Gain this awareness through talking with people who are part of the community, attending workshops, and through self-examination. It Gets Better Project Privilege: Your experiences of privilege as an ally?

Heteronormative Privilege LGBT Heteronormative • Additional Privileges Open support from family and friends. o Your partner as part of your family. o Your friends’ sexuality isn’t questioned because of you. o Workplaces privileges o Show affection, pain, Talk about relationship You are “Normal, ” Legally marry Live comfortably, Dress how you want Don’t worry about hiding anything

Knowledge • Educate yourself on the many communities, cultures and identities of LGBTIQQAA people. • Terms • Symbols

Term: LGBTIQQAA Lesbian Ally Gay Asexual Bisexual Questioning Transgender Queer Intersex

More Terms • Sexual Orientation o o Spectrum Not the same as sexual behavior or romantic orientation • Biological/Physical Sex o o o Hormones Chromosomes Genitals • Gender o Gender Role o Gender Identity § Socially constructed § Biological sex and gender identity don’t always match up!

Tuh-tuh-TERMS! • Non-binary o o Umbrella term Rejects gender binary

In the Closet • A person who has selfidentified as a member of the community but conceals this information. • Often this is related to the perceived safety of the environment.

Coming Out • A process of disclosing one’s sexual orientation or gender identity • Continual process

Symbols: Flags Asexual Transgender Pansexual Rainbow Bisexual Genderqueer Intersex

More Symbols Female Transgender/ Queer Lesbian Bisexual Female Male Gay Bisexual Male

Skills • Consider your awareness and knowledge. • COMMUNICATE it to others. You can acquire those skills through workshops, role-playing with friends or peers, and developing supportive connections.

How to be an Ally • Language • Be non-gender specific • Do not assume someone’s sexual orientation • Challenge conceptions on gender appropriate roles/behaviors • Don’t make assumptions based on attraction • Respect others’ gender expressions • Speak out • Educate yourself • Support and get involved with LGBT causes and organizations

• Develops an understanding • Believes it is in their selfinterest to advocate for others • Is committed to personal growth • Able to acknowledge differences and privilege • Makes mistakes • An Ally…

Coming Out as an Ally You may have to repeatedly “come out” and tell friends and family that you support the LGBT community. Be prepared to defend yourself and the rights of your friends and loved ones. Be inclusive and invite LGBT friends to hang out with your friends and family. Don't assume that all your friends and co-workers are straight. Someone close to you could be looking for support in their coming-out process. By asserting that you are an ally, they may come to you for help in this process. Homophobic comments and jokes are harmful. Let your friends, family and co-workers know that you find them offensive.

Scenarios • Yay!

What is difficult about some of these responses?

What’s the Trade Off? • • Gain self respect Gain the respect of others Support a closeted LGBT friend in the group Model acceptance of differences for friends

Action • • Action is the most important and most frightening step. Despite the fear, action is the only way to create change in society.

Ally Buttons! What qualities and attributes does an ally possess?

Questions? For more information, contact the UW-L Pride Center at pridecenter@uwlax. edu