If you don't know it's where they give you a pin that says your not gay but you support openess.
I love it it's like saying all love is the same by letting straight people into the gay community. It also give straight people a chance to show how they feel and separate people who aren't accepting.
2007-03-01 14:57:01 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender
I think that the term "ally" should not be thrown about lightly. There is, in my head, a distinct difference between someone who has gay friends / is accepting of gay people, and someone who is an ally. An ally recognizes the oppression happening to the queer community, and will listen to said community and do their best to help combat said oppression. I've met too many people who call themselves allies who want some kind of shiny gold star or medal or something for not wanting to beat the tar out of gay people. Sorry, you don't get any awards for what should be the status quo. Also, as a straight person, you don't get to tell me how to feel. You don't get to tell me that ANY issue that you will never have to deal with on a personal level is "not that big a deal". And you definitely don't tokenize me or fetishize the concept of having gay friends because it's trendy. These are all people who technically accept gay people, and have often called themselves allies, but...by my definition, they are not. Also, coming into queer space...it's queer space, and you are welcome there, but as a straight person, it's not all going to be about you. (We had someone in our pride alliance literally complain that we weren't talking about anything straight in our discussions. Sorry, but that's what the entire rest of the world is for).
If you want to stop, think, listen, and support, you can be an ally. And I welcome that.
All of that said, I don't necessarily expect all of my friends or families to be allies. I don't expect them to tokenize or anything either, but I don't expect them to necessarily go out of their way to end heterosexism. Those that do are pretty special though. ;)
2007-03-01 17:43:53 · answer #1 · answered by Atropis 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's really cool. every year for one week at my school you can sign this thing to show your support and we get these awesome magnets we can put in our lockers and stickers. My school is pretty awesome and nearly everybody signs.
2007-03-01 23:58:01 · answer #2 · answered by Rachel 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yep, it's the "A" in GLBTQQIA. Allies are very welcome. We can't secure equal rights by ourselves.
2007-03-01 23:23:24 · answer #3 · answered by carora13 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋