By dasha11 at Envato Elements.
Here are some more “advanced” ways to support your friend(s).
- Ask how you can volunteer for events like a local queer/trans prom or an organization's fundraising event. But, unless you're sure your friend is involved with an organization or event, approach the event planner people or company directly.
- Speak out against queer- and trans-antagonism.
- Speak up when people make “jokes.” Often, “Wait, I don't understand how that's funny. Can you explain it to me?” can be a useful, non-confrontational approach.
- Don't let name-calling pass you by, either. “Hey, we don't use that word here” or “Dude, that is really not okay” are two of many potential responses.
- Here are other ways to confront queer- and trans-antagonism.
- Advocate for the rights of LGBTQA+/SGL children, tweens, teens, and adults.
- Report harassment, abuse, and assault of queer and trans students that you witness in school. If you know the person who was attacked, check with them first. If you don't know them or they don't want their name in a report, report anonymously and don't name them.
- Check in on your friend regularly to make sure they're still okay.
- If they've lost friends or family members in their coming out process, make sure to keep them in mind during holiday seasons, especially those like Thanksgiving and Christmas that often revolve around family.
- Talk to your parents about whether you can invite your friend to join your family for those days. But make sure your friend is okay with your parents finding out about their identity first.
- If you're inviting them to do something with you and you'll be bringing your date, make sure that you let them know they can invite their significant other as well.
- Keep in mind, though, that not every has or wants a sweetheart — and there's nothing wrong with that.
- Acknowledge and mark any of the queer or trans awareness days/weeks/months with your friend.
- Attend Pride. (Not sure what to expect? Read this page!)
- Wear ally-specific gear like t-shirts or hats.
- If you're old enough, VOTE!!! If you're not old enough but you could register to vote, DO IT!
- Help found a GSA with your friend and/or other queer, trans, and allied students in your middle or high school.
- Find your school's or school district's harassment policy. It will likely be in your school handbook and/or your school's or school district's website
- If it doesn't include sexual orientation and gender identity, advocate in front of the school board for that to change.
- If it does, make sure your school is enforcing it.
- Make sure your school library has books by LGBTQA+/SGL authors. (This resources section has many great suggestions.)
- Check out the "Use your" sections here for additional ideas.
- Advocate with your publicly elected officials. You do not need to be old enough to vote to do this!
- 5 Ways to be an Ally to Your LGBTQ+ Family, Friends and Coworkers
- Allyship: Don't just say it—do it
- Beyond Pronouns: 7 Ways to Support Your LGBTQ+ Friends
- Choose Inclusivity: How To Be A LGBT Ally For A Better World!
- Dos and Don'ts for Straight Allies
- How to Be a Good Ally to Your LGBTQ Friends
- How to Support LGBTQ Youth
- If Someone Comes Out to You
