Anyone can be an ally of LGBTQ+ people regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. It's important to support and stand up for LGBTQ+ individuals, even if you do not identify as LGBTQ+ yourself. Speak out against discrimination. When you see or hear discriminatory language, jokes, or behaviors, speak out against them. Speaking out against this language helps inform someone who may not realize they are saying something offensive. They also may not understand that the discrimination not only impacts LGBTQ+ people emotionally, but socially and economically as well.
Here are just a few examples of how discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals can have negative social and economic impacts.
- Loss of income and job opportunities: LGBTQ+ individuals that face discrimination in the workplace will lead to a loss of income and job opportunities. This can make it difficult for them to support themselves and their families, and may even lead to poverty.
- Limited access to healthcare: LGBTQ+ individuals may face discrimination when seeking healthcare, which can lead to a lack of access to medical treatment and preventive care. This can have serious consequences for their health and well-being.
- Social isolation and stigma: Discrimination can also lead to social isolation and stigma, which have a negative impact on mental health and overall well-being. LGBTQ+ individuals may be less likely to participate in social activities and in return may have fewer supportive relationships as a result.
- Lower educational attainment: LGBTQ+ students face discrimination in educational settings, which leads to a lower quality of education and lower educational attainment. This can have long-term consequences for their career prospects and earning potential.
Overall, discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals can have significant negative social and economic impacts, and it is important to work to eliminate discrimination and promote equality for everyone.
You can support and advance policies at school, work, and in the community that help protect LGBTQ+ people from discrimination. Even if an issue seems small, it can have an outsized impact on people's lives. If you see or hear of a policy that seems unfair, take the steps it will take to make a change.
And most importantly even if you don't identify as LGBTQ+ or know someone that does, stay informed. Ask many questions, do research, and be truthful about what you don't know. Take action to help more of our neighbors learn to embrace humans for being humans.