Celebrating Pride Month 2023: How to Be a Positive Ally All Year Round

It’s June, and that means one great thing: It’s PrideMonth!

You don’t need me to tell you that Pride Month feels a little fraught this year. There’s a lot going on across our communities, and it often feels like we’re taking one step forward, two steps back when it comes to the rights, equality, and inclusion of marginalized individuals.

As we celebrate Pride, it’s essential to recognize and acknowledge the continued challenges faced by different groups across different parts of our community.

Pride Month serves as a moment of reflection, highlighting the barriers and stigma that LGBTIQA+ immigrants and asylum seekers face. It’s also an opportunity for clinicians like us to deepen our understanding of their unique struggles and explore ways in which we can offer support. 

By gaining insight into the LGBTIQA+ immigrant experience, we can become the positive allies our clients need.

Understanding the LGBTIQA+ Immigrant Experience

Throughout the world, the LGBTIQA+ community faces significant obstacles and legal exclusions, often leading them to seek refuge elsewhere. They flee to countries like the United States because their home countries are not safe for them, subjecting them to persecution, discrimination, imprisonment, torture, sexual assault, and even death based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Some LGBTIQA+ asylum seekers have the opportunity to prepare for their journey, gathering resources and support and familiarizing themselves with the asylum and visa processes they must navigate. However, many others are forced to leave their homes abruptly and unexpectedly, often without adequate resources or support. 

They arrive in the United States without appropriate knowledge or documentation, and some may not even realize that they qualify for asylum based on their sexual orientation.

What Does it Mean to Be a Supportive Ally?

Being an ally entails supporting and advocating for marginalized groups that one does not personally belong to. In the context of LGBTIQA+ issues, an ally actively stands up for the rights and well-being of the LGBTIQA+ community, regardless of their own sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Allies strive to create an environment of inclusivity and acceptance by challenging discrimination, promoting equality, and amplifying the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals. Their role is crucial in fostering a more inclusive society and supporting marginalized communities.

3 Ways to Become a Positive Ally for Pride

There are numerous ways to be a positive ally and provide support to those who need it. Here are three approaches you can explore during Pride Month and continue throughout the year:

1. Educate Yourself

Developing a deep understanding of the experiences, challenges, and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community is essential to becoming a positive PRIDE ally. 

Take the initiative to educate yourself by reading books and articles, watching documentaries, and attending educational events or workshops that explore LGBTQ+ history, rights, and culture. Engage in dialogue with LGBTQ+ individuals to gain insight and empathy.

2. Amplify LGBTQ+ Voices

Use your platform and voice to uplift the LGBTQ+ community. Share educational resources, inspiring stories, and affirming messages on social media. 

It’s crucial to use inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and respect people’s preferred pronouns. By amplifying their voices, you contribute to breaking down societal barriers and creating a more accepting world.

3. Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights 

As an ally, it is vital to actively support LGBTQ+ rights and combat discrimination. Get involved with local LGBTQ+ organizations or student clubs, participate in peaceful protests, sign petitions, and write to your elected officials to advocate for laws that protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Encourage your workplace to establish inclusive policies and create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. Taking a stand in support of LGBTQ+ rights helps pave the way for a more inclusive society.

Remember: Being a positive ally requires ongoing commitment and action. By continuously educating yourself, amplifying LGBTQ+ voices, and advocating for their rights, you can make a meaningful difference and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world.

As clinicians, it is imperative that we dedicate time in our professional practice to educate ourselves about the unique needs of these clients. 

By doing so, we can provide the safety, stability, and understanding necessary to ensure a positive therapeutic experience and, ultimately, a positive outcome. Additionally, familiarizing ourselves with available resources, programs, and support for our clients can make a significant difference and build trust within the therapeutic relationship.

LGBTIQA+ Individuals and the Importance of Immigration Evaluation Professionals

It’s important to recognize that many individuals within the LGBTIQA+ community, particularly those from migrant and asylum backgrounds, may require ongoing mental health support.

As an immigration evaluation professional, you may be the first point of contact for an LGBTIQA+ asylum client. This initial experience can significantly impact their future decisions regarding seeking further support. 

Although the duration of our interaction with clients may be relatively short, as the gateway to the mental health system in their new country, we have a valuable opportunity to provide a positive and empowering experience.

It’s crucial that we allocate time, invest in education, and develop an understanding of the unique needs of these clients. This is an essential aspect of our work in ensuring their well-being and facilitating their access to appropriate support.