LGBTQ Awareness

If you think that you do not know any people who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, you are likely wrong (Two Spirited, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, plus many other sexual orientations and gender identities). It doesn’t matter who you are, where you shop, or the places you visit during a regular day, you will interact with people who identify within the queer community. 2SLGBTQIA+ folk are regular people who are just going about their own day. The acknowledgment, celebration, and support of differences will spark action towards true appreciation of diversity in our communities.

Education and support for queer people, whether they are children or adults or students or staff, is extremely important. This leads to the celebration of all people, which allows queer people to experience a genuine sense of safety and belonging. This is important for all forms of a person’s well-being. When people show support and celebration for others’ differences, it creates a community based on collaboration and solidarity.

Celebrating diversity can take many forms. 2SLGBTQIA+ people can belong to any race, religion, and work sector, and we are not likely to know every person’s gender or sexual orientation. Additionally, never using homophobic or transphobic language, jokes, or slang and standing up to others who participate in homophobic or transphobic behaviour is a way to demonstrate respect and honour diversity. In true allyship there is a zero tolerance of disrespectful behaviour, and jokes about someone’s gender or sexuality aren’t jokes, they’re harmful. Remember that the language we choose to use reflects our thoughts and opinions and can be hurtful. We may need to challenge ourselves to choose inclusive language and avoid gendering the world around us. It is up to each individual if they want to inform others about their gender identity. Lastly, a celebration of diversity comes at the cost of our own internal biases. The sooner we can identify and unlearn them, the more open and inclusive we will be.

Displaying a rainbow flag or sticker in our workspace does not automatically make us an ally. We become allies with continuous follow up action of support and celebration of diversity. It takes ongoing work to truly provide a safe environment for others. We can only become allies once someone in the queer community says we are one. People within the queer community will notice and let other people know of these growing allyships.

With the acknowledgment and celebration of differences, we can create a community where judgement disappears and privilege has less impact on quality of life for all people. Living in a truly diversified society sounds like the hardest hurdle to clear, but it’s simple… Acknowledge. Celebrate. Support.

Susan Trabant