This National Coming Out Day, come out as an ally!
National Coming Out Day is October 11. It’s a day for the men and women of the LGBT community to stand strong and be counted. It’s by being visible – not hiding in a closet – that we can make change happen.
But we can’t do it without allies! We can’t defeat homophobia and transphobia without our straight brothers and sisters standing with us.
There is strength in numbers. By standing together in solidarity, we break down the barriers placed in the way of equality; we form one strong human race.
Allies have an important voice; it’s by adding their voice to ours that we break down prejudice, injustice and closed-mindedness. It’s with their help that we succeed in protecting human dignity.
Injustices aren’t remedied by standing in the shadows, watching and doing nothing. Being a silent supporter will assist a select few people, but it won’t change things on a global scale. Allies need to be strong, visible and active to facilitate change.
For those out there who are already doing this: thank you very much.
Through education and activism, anyone is able to stand up and be heard as an ally. Do you have the courage to become an ally for change?
Chris Little-Gagné
Assistant Regional Vice-President, Manitoba region
The Canadian Labour Congress has a guide for allies [PDF] of the LGBT community. It’s a helpful tool for members who wish to educate themselves on how to become stronger advocates for equality.