A summary of simple advice to be a responsible ally
What to do if your friend identifies as LGBT
- Do not assume LGBT friends find you attractive
- Be honest about your feelings
- Remember that your friend has not changed
- Respect confidentiality
- Hold all friends to equal standards
- Know your resources: Northwestern Greek Allies, the LGBT Resource
Center in Norris, Rainbow Alliance, NGA's safe space training, Sexual Health & Assault Peer Education
(SHAPE)
Concrete ways to be a good ally
- Don’t assume everyone is heterosexual
- DO NOT EVER out someone – just because you might know,
don’t assume that others do or should
- Avoid anti-LGBT jokes and conversations
- Interrupt prejudice and take
action against oppression, even when people from the target group are
not present
- Confront issues in private with individuals – not
groups
- Stand up to offensive language – “That’s so gay”