One of the coolest things about being Latino is how strong our sense of community usually is. Most Latinos are taught to stand up for the people they love and stand beside them. The great thing about that is that we can take what we’re taught about solidarity, compassion, and community, and extend it to everyone around us, not just our families and friends. Celebrating Pride and being a good ally to the LGBTQ+ community, especially the Latino section of it, is a great way to do that. Here are 8 ways to do exactly that and support our queer fellow humans:
Understand that queerness is natural
If you’re not a part of the LGBTQ+ community, when did you realize you were straight? You’ve probably never had to ask yourself that question before because your sexual orientation isn’t something you chose. It’s just who you are, and the same can be said about queer people. Queerness is a natural part of someone’s being; realizing that and explaining it to others is essential to showing them respect and understanding.
Respect someone’s pronouns
Misgendering isn’t something to be taken lightly because it can be hurtful. Not to mention invalidating. It’s always a good rule of thumb to ask for someone’s pronouns. Social media is also a good way to check someone’s pronouns, as they’re usually added to the person’s bio. If checking social media isn’t an option at the moment or you’re too socially awkward to ask, you can start by using “they,” which is gender-neutral, and go from there. Whether you ask or go the gender-neutral way, you can be a million dollars the person you’re addressing will feel seen and valued.
Correct misgendering whenever you can
Whenever you hear someone misgendering a person you know or someone who has made their pronouns clear, correct them. It can be exhausting for trans and non-binary people to do it themselves, so they often opt for letting it slide. Having someone step in and support them can mean the world to them. It’s also the right thing to do! We’re all humans, we deserve to be addressed in a way that makes us feel as such.
Don’t assume anyone’s preferences
One common mistake a lot of people make is assuming the preferences of queer people. Generally, it’s important not to assume that just because someone is gay, pansexual, asexual, or anything in between, they’re attracted to every person of the same gender or they’re incapable of attraction, respectively. While interesting and open conversations can be had about this topic in confidence, it’s important to respect people’s boundaries.
Educate other people about being allyship and queerness
Understanding queer people and being a good ally for the Latino LGBTQ+ community requires us to educate ourselves. There’s no way around that! The more we learn, the better we’ll be able not just to engage with queer people and talk about the issues that concern them, but also educate other people. One way to educate people around you is to just discuss things you’ve learned about the LGBTQ+ community with friends and family. Correcting people when you hear them making ignorant comments and having conversations is another way to do it.
Share your platform
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It’s no surprise to anyone that cisgender and heterosexual people often dominate conversations. That’s why making space for queer voices, especially within your Latino community, is so important. Whether your platform is small or large, amplifying queer voices, experiences, and stories is an effective way to create awareness, promote inclusivity, and acknowledge diverse viewpoints.
Provide financial support whenever possible
Donating money to organizations and charities that support LGBTQ+ youth and adults, including Latinos, is a great way to put your money where your mouth is. Even $1 can make a difference if you can’t afford anything more and you can also encourage people around you to donate. Whatever donation you make can improve their lives a little and go towards creating opportunities for them to thrive.
Acknowledge your privilege and use it for good
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If you don’t identify as LGBTQ+, you must become aware of the few privileges that it has given you in life. At the very least, you haven’t experienced discrimination or alienation just because of your gender identity or sexuality. Once you acknowledge your privilege, you can use it to defend people who are marginalized and discriminated against. Standing on the sidelines is no way to be a good ally and it only perpetuates injustices. Actively contribute to making the Latino community and society at large more inclusive for the queer community.