In the Trump Era: We need f*ckin Allies
LGBTQIA+ Allyship in a Trump world
Building allies isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of meaningful change. Whether you’re fighting for racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, or any other cause close to your heart, having allies by your side can amplify your voice and multiply your impact. But becoming an ally—or creating them—takes more than good intentions. It’s about education, empathy, and action. Let’s dig into what it takes to build real, lasting alliances for advocacy.
What Does Allyship Even Mean?
First off, let’s get clear on what being an ally means. An ally isn’t a savior or someone swooping in to “fix” things for marginalized groups. It’s about showing up, listening, and supporting the people directly impacted by injustice. It’s knowing when to speak up and when to step back. A good ally uses their privilege to create space for others—not take up more space themselves.
Why Allies Matter
Movements grow stronger when more people join the fight. Allies can help break down barriers, challenge prejudice, and spread awareness to communities that might not otherwise pay attention. Think about it: a white ally advocating for racial justice can reach audiences that Black voices might not. Similarly, straight allies standing up for LGBTQ+ rights can push the needle in spaces that might otherwise stay closed off.
How Do You Build Allies?
Building allies isn’t about guilt-tripping or pointing fingers; it’s about education, connection, and empowerment. Here’s how you can start:
1. Lead with Education
Knowledge is power. If someone doesn’t understand an issue, they won’t know how to help. Start by sharing stories, facts, and lived experiences that shed light on why your cause matters. But remember: you don’t have to be the “teacher” all the time. Share books, articles, podcasts, or documentaries created by people within the community you’re advocating for.
Pro Tip: Keep the tone approachable. Nobody likes being lectured, so frame conversations as a learning opportunity rather than a moral obligation.
2. Encourage Self-Reflection
True allyship starts with people understanding their own biases and privilege. Help potential allies reflect on questions like:
What advantages have I had that others might not?
Have I ever stayed silent in situations where I could’ve spoken up?
How can I use my privilege to support others?
This step can be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary. Allies can’t grow if they aren’t willing to get a little uncomfortable.
3. Build Empathy Through Stories
Data and facts are great, but stories stick. When people hear personal experiences of injustice, it hits home in a way that statistics can’t. Whether it’s a firsthand account from a refugee, a coming-out story, or a tale of workplace discrimination, these narratives foster connection and understanding.
Example: Host a community event or panel where individuals from marginalized groups can share their stories. The key is creating a safe, respectful space for dialogue.
Building Allies: Education and Advocacy StrategiesBuilding Allies: Education and Advocacy Strategies4. Offer Clear Actions
People want to help—but they need to know how. Give allies specific, actionable steps they can take. This could include:
Donating to organizations working on the front lines.
Attending rallies, protests, or community events.
Using their platform to amplify marginalized voices.
Calling out bias and discrimination in their own circles.
The more tangible and accessible the actions, the more likely people are to engage.
5. Make It a Two-Way Street
Allyship isn’t about one group helping another—it’s about building relationships. Allies and advocates should work together, learning from each other along the way. Foster open communication, celebrate small wins, and support one another during setbacks.
Avoiding the “Performative” Trap
We’ve all seen it: people posting black squares on Instagram or slapping a rainbow sticker on their profile during Pride Month without actually doing anything meaningful. Performative allyship is all show and no substance—and it can do more harm than good.
To avoid this, encourage allies to:
Focus on consistent, behind-the-scenes work rather than public displays.
Center the voices and needs of the people they’re supporting.
Stay committed for the long haul—not just during trending moments.
Long-Term Strategies for Advocacy
Building allies isn’t a one-time thing. It’s a long game that requires persistence and creativity. Here are a few ways to keep the momentum going:
Host Workshops: Run sessions on topics like unconscious bias, privilege, and advocacy tactics.
Start Community Groups: Create spaces where allies and advocates can come together, share ideas, and collaborate.
Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram to spread awareness, share resources, and connect with like-minded people.
Celebrate Progress: Recognize the strides you’ve made together—it keeps people motivated and inspired.
The Ripple Effect
When you build allies, you’re not just changing individual minds—you’re creating ripples that can transform entire communities. An ally might educate their family, influence their workplace policies, or inspire others to get involved. Before you know it, the movement grows bigger and stronger than ever.
Final Thoughts
Building allies is about more than just recruiting people to your cause—it’s about fostering understanding, inspiring action, and creating lasting change. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. With education, empathy, and a little patience, you can turn bystanders into allies—and allies into lifelong advocates.
Sources
Brown, A. (2019). The Guide to Allyship.
DiAngelo, R. (2018). White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism. Beacon Press.
Kendi, I. X. (2019). How to Be an Antiracist. One World.
GLAAD. (2023). Tips for Being an LGBTQ+ Ally.
Powell, J. (2012). Racing to Justice: Transforming Our Conceptions of Self and Other to Build an Inclusive Society. Indiana University Press.