Disclaimer: This blog is part of a series that focuses on allyship for the queer and trans community; however, many of the suggestions given can apply to allyship to any equity-denied group (e.g., BIPOC communities, people with disabilities, seniors, etc.).
There are many ways to support equity-denied (marginalized) groups, including being an ally. We hear this word a lot, but what does it mean, and what does allyship involve? We sat down with Anastasia Preston, the Trans Community Coordinator for PEERS Alliance, to get a better understanding of what an ally is and how allies can help.
“Allyship”: What is it
Allyship is more than just supporting a cause or movement; allyship is action.
“Allyship is not sitting on the sidelines,” explains Preston. “It involves actively working to create a more equitable society.”
So, what does this look like? Preston shared the following aspects of allyship.
- EDUCATE YOURSELF: The most crucial thing allies can do is to get educated on the movement they are supporting. Additionally, it’s important for people to find sources that are credible and factual.
- LISTEN: A big component of allyship is listening to the experiences of equity-denied individuals. Be empathetic to their experience and avoid interrupting or dismissing their perspective. It’s important to gain a better understanding of who you support (the human face) and what they say, in terms of the specific support they need.
- AMPLIFY OTHERS: You can help share equity-denied voices/experiences, thereby amplifying the need for support. If you have an online presence (e.g., blog, social media), you can share these stories easily—it may not seem like much, but it can have a great impact, especially when more and more people are doing it.
- CHALLENGE BIAS: This is an ongoing process. Whether you hear a racist comment from a coworker, a sexist joke from your uncle, or an anti-queer discussion among friends, allyship requires challenging bias, even when it makes you feel uncomfortable. Remembering that you have the greatest level of impact within your own social circle is a huge part of allyship.
- SUPPORT EQUITY-DENIED PEOPLE: Mentorships, employment experience, and financial assistance are some of the ways you can support equity-denied people. You can also promote their art, workshops, and other offerings, and you can look for ways to get equity-denied people into spaces they may not otherwise be invited into (e.g., networking, boards, panels).
- ADVOCATE FOR CHANGE: Use your voice to advocate for policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Often, those able to make such policy change are more likely to take action if they hear from multiple perspectives, and not just from equity-denied groups. Ask your child’s school how they’re supporting gender diverse students, even if your own child is not gender diverse. If you’re white, ask a panel that you’ve been invited to sit on why there are no BIPOC voices represented. The next time you’re eating at a restaurant that has stairs leading up to their entrance, ask what they need in order to install a ramp.
- REALIZE THAT ALLYSHIP IS A PROCESS: Allyship is not just a “one and done” thing. It’s not just going to one big protest or writing a handful of emails. Allyship is a journey, not a destination, and it continuously changes as the cause evolves.
In our next blog post, now that we have a better handle on what being an ally entails, we’ll explore some ways that allies can be most helpful when supporting equity-denied groups.
Published Date: June 2025
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