LGBTQIA+
LGBTQIA+ is an acronym used to represent the diverse community of people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning), intersex, and asexual. The "+" at the end indicates that this is not an exhaustive list, and many other gender and sexual identities are also part of the community.
Many people know someone in this community and want to show support. This is referred to as being an ally.
How to be an Ally
Believe that issues related to oppression are everyone’s concern, not just the concern of those who are the targets of oppression.
Understand that people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual are experts on their own experience, and that you have much to learn from them.
Take responsibility for your own education on issues related to gender identity and sexual orientation. Take the initiative to become as knowledgeable as you can on issues of concern to people who are LGBTQIA.
Making mistakes is part of the learning process of practicing allyship. Acknowledge and apologize for mistakes; learn from them, but do not retreat.
Avoid trying to convince people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and intersex that you are on their side; just be there.
Remember that ally is a verb - actions are more powerful than words.
If you identify with this community, we have expert therapists who are here for you, take a look at our therapists and scroll to find those with this specialty.
More information from the LGBTQIA Resource Center: https://lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu/educated