The Best Ways To Show Support for the LGBTQ+ Community

When someone you’ve known for a long time comes out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, you might be stuck trying to figure out the best way to show your support. When family members, friends, and other loved ones are thinking about opening up, they can feel anxiety, fear, and stress about whether their community will accept them. Here are some important ways to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Be Active in Your Community

Activist and advocate Mary Beth Maxwell, Google Arts & Culture, understands the hardships that LGBTQ+ youth face at school, at home, and in broader society. She encourages people to take action in their own communities to make safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. You can attend a school board meeting and advocate for inclusive textbooks and curriculums or help young people set up an LGBTQ+ alliance at their school. Many small actions create large waves of change over time. 

Also, you can wear your support. Wearing items like t-shirts, hats, and silicone bands to show your support is awesome.

Follow LGBTQ+ Creators on Social Media 

The rapid rise of social media has opened new career pathways for creatives and entrepreneurs. Yet, it’s still difficult to develop a stable social media following. It can be even harder for members of the LGBTQ+ community. One easy way to uplift the community is by finding and following LGBTQ+ content creators and businesses across social media. From fashion to travel, LGBTQ creators are making huge impacts around the world, and social media is the perfect place to follow their journeys. 

Discover Music, Movies, and TV by LGBTQ+ Artists

In the past few years, the majority of entertainment has moved online. With new streaming services popping up everywhere and major movies and TV shows available on digital platforms, there are virtually no obstacles to supporting LGBTQ+ artists. There is also a strong link between media and empathy. The more you see positive and complex portrayals of various kinds of people, the more you can understand their experiences. 

Respect Pronouns, Freedom of Expression, and Privacy  

One of the most important ways you can support the LGBTQ+ community is by referring to people by their chosen pronouns. If you aren’t sure what is appropriate, you should ask politely. This also goes for how people choose to dress and express themselves. Celebrate your friends, family, and loved ones by supporting their freedom of expression. Finally, make sure to respect boundaries and privacy. People are not always ready to come out publicly, and you can show them that you support them by respecting their decision and their personal journey. 

Although the LGBTQ+ community is gaining acceptance in society, it doesn’t mean life has become completely safe and easy. If you are thinking about showing support to LGBTQ people but aren’t sure how you can start with any of these strategies. The most important way to support the people in your life is to be there for them. Provide a listening ear, show empathy for their problems and successes, and show up for them when they need you. Even the simplest acts of kindness can have a profoundly positive impact. 

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