After the Parades: How to Support the LGBTQIA+ Community Every Day

Jun 23

By Victoria Nagel, LCADC, CCS, LPC, ACS, NCC, BC-TMH

June is more than rainbow flags and parades; it's a powerful reminder of the ongoing journey toward equity, visibility, and mental well-being for the LGBTQIA+ community. As Pride Month comes to a close, it’s important to reflect not only on celebration, but also on the responsibility that comes with being an ally.

Why Allyship Matters Beyond Pride Month

Allyship isn't a trend or a seasonal message. It’s a commitment to learning, advocating, and using our voices to amplify those who have been marginalized. For members of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly transgender individuals, queer people of color, and youth, allyship can be a life-saving act. It can look like advocating for inclusive policies, challenging discriminatory language, or simply listening without judgment.

As one of my close colleagues always says, “Listen and believe someone when they tell you who they are.” Whenever I hear her say this, it seems so simple. But as straightforward as that statement is, the reality is that it’s not always easy. People struggle to listen and believe for many reasons. Sometimes it’s due to a rigid belief system shaped by culture or upbringing. Other times, it’s due to grief, mourning the idea of who we thought someone was. And most often, it’s somewhere in between.

But here’s the truth: Being an ally is important. Because when we listen and believe people, especially when it comes to their gender, identity, or sexuality, we create a world where they can exist safely, fully, and authentically. Being an ally requires us to meet people where they are, not where we think they should be. It means confronting our own discomfort, biases, and assumptions and choosing instead to lead with empathy and respect.

So, What Can You Do?

Being an ally doesn’t require a degree or a deep understanding of every identity. It requires a willingness to care, to learn, and to take action in everyday ways. Here are a few ways to start:

Believe people. When someone shares their identity with you, believe them. Thank them for trusting you.
Use respectful language. Ask for and use someone’s pronouns. It's a small act that shows big respect.
Speak up. Don’t stay silent when someone makes a joke or comment that’s hurtful or dismissive. Silence is its own kind of harm.
Support LGBTQ+ spaces and organizations. Donate, volunteer, or simply amplify their voices online.
Check in. If you know someone who’s LGBTQ+, ask how they’re doing, especially during times of political tension or public debate. Feeling seen and supported can mean the world.
Keep learning. You don’t have to know everything. Just be open to learning and unlearning.

This Is About All of Us

Pride is about joy, yes, but it’s also about justice. It’s about making sure that LGBTQIA+ people (i.e., our neighbors, coworkers, friends, and family) can live their lives without fear, shame, or barriers. Whether you’re part of the community or standing beside it, you have a role to play, and your support matters. Because being an ally isn’t a month-long practice—it’s lifelong. It’s in the choices we make, the conversations we have, and the compassion we extend, even when it's uncomfortable.

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