The Center and Shenanigans Comedy Theatre are co-hosting an event this Tuesday, February 25, from 6-8 p.m. called Diversity Panel & Crash Course on How to Be an Ally.
“What do you mean? I don’t need any help being an ally.”
Well, you probably do. We all do. Your heart and soul may well be firmly with the LGBTQ+ community, but there are still things to misunderstand. Straightforwardly, there are terms you may not realize are offensive, for example.
More deeply, keep in mind that members of the LGBTQ+ community are regularly and systematically persecuted. No matter how intelligent, emotionally articulate, or anything else he may be, no straight white American male truly understands that. There are better ways and worse ways to engage with any person, and they can be even more pronounced with LGBTQ+ people because of the inherent suspicion they have necessarily cultivated as a response to this persecution.
(And needless to say, the most recent presidential election was not at all helpful.)
I am certain anyone who attends this event will emerge wiser and better equipped to help our LGBTQ+ friends and family weather the darker times ahead. I hope to see you there.