Allies are some of the most effective and powerful voices of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Questioning/Queer (LGBTIQ) movement. They can be our siblings, our parents, relatives, our friends, teachers, co-workers and so on. However, it is important to understand that not only non-LGBTIQ persons, but also LGBTIQ persons can be an Ally for their fellow community members.
An Ally simply means one who realises the privileges of the majority and empathises with the struggles of the minority and advocates for equal rights and fair treatment. And when there is no cut-and-dry way of being an Ally, it means engaging in open conversations, asking questions, recognising your own biases and blind spots, and stepping out of your comfort zone.
In the journey towards decriminalising same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults and gaining equal rights and acceptance for the LGBTIQ community, allies play an important role. We cannot end the discrimination, stigma, marginalisation, and violence against LGBTIQ persons without the support of allies.
To educate the general public on the importance of allyship and how to be a good ally to the LGBTIQ community, EQUAL GROUND has launched a wide-reaching campaign; this includes a booklet ‘ALLY FOR EQUALITY’ as an educational tool and a ‘I AM A PROUD ALLY’ video series on social media. (If you wish to be a part of this video series, please video record your very simple message: “I am a proud ally” on your phone and email it to us at: media@equalgroundsrilanka.com.
You can download the booklet on our website and be a part of the campaign by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.