In the span of one year, our lives have completely changed. My eyes were opened to social issues that prior to last year, I was blindsided to. One of the most important takeaways in reflections of 2020 is how to be an ally. Being an ally does not mean that you understand what oppression feels like directly. Being an ally means you are aware of the struggles that others face and take them on as your own. Being an ally means that you fight injustices and promote equality. While being an ally has been around for many years now, I never fully embodied this until recently. I began to challenge myself on being a better ally by understanding my privilege and using it to amplify the silenced voices surrounding me. I learned that being an ally is not simply supporting a cause, but rather putting in effort to make a change, even when it poses challenges.
Society is not expected to transform overnight, nonetheless, here are different ways that you are able to step out of your comfort and into the role of an ally:
- Educate Yourself and Others (Respectfully): A successful ally will take time to read, understand, listen and watch ongoing injustices. Before you jump to action, it is important to understand the history pertaining to the movement you are fighting for. Once you have educated yourself, take it upon yourself to educate others who seek guidance, by holding conversations with individuals who refuse to acknowledge their privilege and continue to deny systemic oppression.
- Own Your Privilege: While you may feel that your privilege causes strains in your allyship, it can be seen in a positive light. This by all means doesn’t mean that you should shove your privilege down the throats of those who are oppressed, but rather understand that you are in a position of power and are able to amplify the voices of those who are marginalized.
- Accept Feedback: Always remain open minded and establish trusting relationships with individuals you are standing alongside with. When they provide you with feedback, they are not attacking you, but rather guiding you toward a better path of being an ally. Rather than being defensive, recognize that there is room for improvement and ask yourself, “How can I do better?”
- Take Action: Being an ally is more than just a noun; you must remind yourself to constantly be proactive. Remind yourself that being an ally is not a one-time thing, but rather something you are constantly working to improve. Taking action has various forms, such as donating, supporting marginalized communities, educating your peers, signing petitions, showing up to marches and so much more.
While the 4 tips on being an ally stated above apply to a vast majority of groups you may be fighting alongside, here’s a broader range on how to be an ally regarding a few different movements.
How to Be a Better Ally for the Black Community
- Be Prepared to Do The Work: In order to support any movement, you must show up when it counts as well as constantly challenge and educate yourself. This can be done through petitions, donations to charities and organizations and making yourself present when you are needed. It is also important to read current social issues and understand the perspectives of those within the black community.
- Support Black Owned Businesses: As we have been faced with a global pandemic this past year, many businesses, small or big, have been negatively affected. By supporting more Black-owned businesses, you contribute to strengthening and empowering these communities. There are a variety of Black-owned businesses in Toronto ranging from restaurants, hair and aesthetics, clothing and more that you can find here and here.
- Do Not Tolerate Injustices: When you see acts of racism taking place, do not stand in silence. This can be experienced anywhere: school, the workplace, or even within your social circle. It is never too late for someone to unlearn their racist tendencies; we are all capable of learning how to be better.
- Teach the Youth: It is important to note that racism is not inherited, but is taught. By educating our younger generations on the systemic discrimination that people of colour are unjustly faced with, we can reach a new turning point in years to come.
How To Be A Better Ally To The #MeToo Movement
- Advocate for women’s equality in the workplace: To this day, white men typically wield greater power in the workplace, despite any achievement that a particular woman may have. Challenge yourself to remove these workplace barriers, including pay inequity.
- Speak out when you hear sexist language: Call them out on it! Make it evident that you do not support these comments, regardless of the intent, and educate individuals on why what they are saying is inappropriate.
How To Be A Better Ally To The LGBTQ+ Community
- Use a person’s preferred pronouns: If someone has made it evident which pronouns they prefer to be addressed by, respect their preference in full. Remember that it is always best to ask someone what pronouns they prefer to be referred to, rather than making your own assumptions. Stick to using gender inclusive language.
- Do Not Ask About Their Genitals: To put it simply, if you do not want someone else asking about your genitals, then don’t go around asking others about theirs. As kids, we were taught to call them ‘private parts’ for a reason.
- Educate Yourself On The Importance Of Pride: Ensure that you are respecting pride month as well as the communities who have fought their way through many hardships in order to achieve the rights that are seen today. While pride is largely celebrated, there is still a long journey ahead, such as learning about the history of LGBT+ community in school and the violence they are subjected to, to this day.
Additional Links to Further Educate Yourselves:
https://www.communityjusticeexchange.org/nbfn-directory#california
https://blacklivesmatter.com/news/
https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/politics/a27075028/black-lives-matter-explained/
https://www.theroot.com/12-ways-to-be-a-white-ally-to-black-people-1790876784