With attacks on queer and trans rights increasing in quantity and visibility, being an ally feels more important than ever right now. It is also more overwhelming and humbling than ever. As an ally, my voice is powerful, and I have the most power to make change in the communities that I am most involved with. For me, those are the Jewish communal spaces and institutions I am part of and my local community.
- Stay Educated: Staying informed about current issues and policies, whether national, local, or communal, that impact the LGBTQ+ community is the first step to making change. Instead of expecting others to tell me what is going on, I can actively seek out information by following LGBTQ+ news outlets or journalists or asking questions of my local community institutions.
- Stay Hopeful: The voices of allies are powerful. It’s important right now to remember that we can use our influence to make changes that will make life better for LGBTQ+ people, and not give in to feeling helpless and doing nothing.
- Check In with Queer People: LGBTQ+ people may be feeling alone, isolated, or afraid. Let your friends know that you are thinking of them. Ask them how you can support them and listen to what they have to say.
- Practice Inclusive Language: I try to use gender neutral terms and pronouns to refer to people I don’t know as often as possible. It both helps me practice using terminology that’s less familiar to me, and helps me to not make assumptions. As an ally I may not fully understand the trans experience, but I am committed to using language that aligns with a person’s gender once I do know their pronouns.
- Speak Up: Even when it makes me uncomfortable, responding to comments that vilify or erase LGBTQ+ people will often be safer for me than for a queer person. I may be able to change someone’s mind, or let others know that hateful comments aren’t acceptable, that they hurt people, including people we may know.
- Organize My Community: I can bring an Eshel allies training to my community, and work with others to identify how we can support LGBTQ+ inclusion in our shul or school community.
- Call My Elected Officials: On the local, state, and federal level, I can contact my representatives and tell them that LGBTQ+ rights are a priority.
Meira Davidowitz