This LGBT+ History Month, here are some actions you can take to help support our LGBTQ+ community and beyond – better allyship can start here:
Learn about the lives, history and activism of the LGBTQ+ community
- 福利着片 – you can also make suggestions to help shape the collection.
- The celebrate the diversity, experience and culture of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community including personal stories.
- You might reach out to a friend or the to find out more about the LGBTQ+ community and activism.
Using pronouns
- When you use someone鈥檚 chosen pronouns or the appropriate pronouns for their gender identity, you are acknowledging their gender identity, and behaving in a respectful and supportive way.
- If unsure what pronouns someone uses or how to use them, asking 鈥淐an I ask what pronoun you use?鈥� would be respectful and inclusive.
- 福利着片 a including why they matter and how you can use them, including on social media profiles.
Learn the language
- Language is powerful. Read the .
Be open to mistakes but apologise without qualifications
- If you ever feel concerned about making mistakes and saying the wrong thing, or behaving in an unhelpful and hurtful way unintentionally, remember it is better to be an imperfect ally than not be an ally at all.
- The best allies are willing to make mistakes and keep learning. But if you do make a mistake, we should apologise without any 鈥渋fs鈥� or 鈥渂uts鈥�, avoiding phrases like 鈥淏ut that鈥檚 not what I intended鈥�. Acknowledge the mistake sincerely and be willing to listen, learn and update ally practices as you go.
Speak up
- Do not keep quiet if you witness or are a victim of bullying, hate incidents, or harassment. to let us know and access support if you 鈥� or someone else 鈥� needs it.
- Register for one of our upcoming Active Bystander online training sessions this month 鈥� designed to help you challenge poor behaviours and bring about cultural change:
Catch up on recent news you might have missed: LGBT+ History Month 2023: Get involved (southampton.ac.uk)