Be a Visible LGBTQ+ Ally

Students, staff, and faculty each have the ability to create meaningful change in the experience of LGBTQ+ members of our community. Below is a list of actions that each of us can do to show our support.

This list is excerpted from the Columbia University LGBTQ+ Guide: Resources to foster an Affirming Community for LGBTQ+ Faculty, Students, and Staff.

• Model effective and supportive communication, consistent with the principles of cultural competence and humility with regard to diversity in sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression
• Model the inclusion of pronouns in email signatures (see below for examples)
• Display Safe Spaces icons or signage in common areas or in private offices
• Be a visible digital ally by posting Safe Spaces/Pride logos in your Zoom background and email signature 
• Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ topics without relying on LGBTQ+ individuals to do all the teaching
• Apologize if you inadvertently misgender someone; if you notice that a person is misgendering someone else, discreetly bring it to their attention
• Incorporate LGBTQ+ researchers, authors, and vignettes into your curriculum
• Do not make assumptions about anyone’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity; rely on self-identification and respect confidentiality and the right to self-disclosure