What does it mean to be an Ally?
The term ally has various meanings when presented in a particular context. The Human Rights Campaign page defines an ally of the LGBTIQA+ community as “designed to help build understanding and comfort.” The key to being an ally in the LGBTIQA+ community is showing the members of this community that you understand they want the same rights as other individuals: the right to live their lives how they want without fear of judgment.
The Importance of Being an Ally
While there has been a lot of progress for the LGBTIQA+ community in the last few years, change doesn’t all happen overnight. There are many ways that allies can help support the community; volunteering with organizations, and participating in marches. However, the most influential way that allies can help support members of the LGBTIQA+ community is by using their voices. The most important thing that an ally can use to help support the members of the LGBTIQA+ community is their voice.
Various celebrities, influencers, musicians, and actors are allies of the LGBTIQA+ community and have dedicated their voices to raising support and encouraging others to join as well. The Last of Us actor Pedro Pascal, shared his support for his sister Lux Pascal who announced she was a transgender woman in February of 2023.
Pedro shared with The New York Daily News, “She is and has always been one of the most powerful people and personalities I’ve ever known. My protective side is lethal, but I need her more than she needs me.”
Latinos that are a part of the LGBTIQA+ community
There are many Latinos/Latinx that are a part of the LGBTIQA+ community such as actresses like Ariana DeBose, and Stephanie Beatriz, musicians like Ricky Martin, and author Jonny Garza Villa (Fifteen Hundred Miles from The Sun, Ander & Santi Were Here)
Oscar-winning actress Ariana DeBose has spoken to multiple media outlets about how she doesn’t let labels define who she is. In an interview with PEOPLE she explained, “I prefer the term human because your humanity can be described in a myriad of ways, but it does not change the fact that you are human. The fullness of who you are, what it’s like to be queer, out, Latina, Afro-Latina, biracial, or multiracial, however you want to identify,”
Jonny Garza Villa shared in an interview with the website United By Pop while promoting his first book Fifteen Hundred Miles from The Sun, the message he wanted to convey to his readers especially those in the LGBTQIA community, “That anyone who might know at all what it is to be in Jules’ shoes feel comforted and loved and embraced, even if it’s in the quiet of their room and just between Jules and Mat and all the characters in the book. That they know they are enough for this world just as they are.”
Ricky Martin spoke about his experience during an interview for the Grammy’s in 2021, “Everybody just be. Just be. Be happy. And it just feels amazing to also feel protected by an amazing community. I became a better person when I was able to be transparent. And for those out there that are still struggling with their identity, I just wish you the best.” All of these individuals have discussed with the public about who they are and encouraged others to always be proud of themselves.
Why be an Ally?
If you’re worried about what to say, or what you can do to support someone you know in the community, websites recommend that the best thing you can do is, “Keep up to date on current issues the community faces. There are plenty of news articles and blog posts written by LGBTQ+ people and their allies, so read as much as you can. Educating yourself also involves being aware that language evolves, so you should keep open-minded to new ideas and concepts.”
The most important reason why it is important to be an ally for the members of the LGBTIQA+ community is to let someone that you love know that they’re not alone.
Happy Pride Month!
