David A. - Student
I think it is very important to be an Ally because the voiceless need
a voice. As an Ally, I believe I can stand up and voice my opinion when
others feel they cannot. I am an Ally because I have been made fun of
before and felt powerless. When I needed someone to stand up for me,
they were not there. I don't want this to happen to other people and
as an Ally, I can make a difference. Each and every person has seen
a person harassed or bullied. The question is: How are you going to
be the change?
Ashley J. - Teacher
When I was in high school, there were not very many of my peers that were out. The few that were went through a lot of discrimination from students and teachers. I remember feeling helpless and frustrated that this was happening and got a reputation for being somewhat of a loud mouth for defending my friends. I hated that they could only be "out" in theatre class. I promised I would make a difference.
There are so many amazing talented students that don't have a safe space or an adult that will encourage and support them in their lives. Being an Ally is such an important part of my life. Being an Ally means putting selfishness aside and stepping up to help guide our youth in the right direction. We must sacrifice and work hard to make sure our students are prepared to make positive decisions in a safe supportive environment.
Layne G. - Student
When I came out in middle school, I was harassed pretty much everywhere that I went. I felt isolated, depressed and as though I were offensive to the rest of my school. Making matters worse, many of my friends had even left me. However, one day a girl that I had never talked to before approached me in the hallway. She said, "I just want to let you know that you're really brave for being yourself. I'm totally supportive of the cause and if you ever need someone, I'm here." I never did take her up on that offer, but knowing it was there meant more than any kind of action that could be taken. Sometimes, the greatest allies are the ones who just let you know their support. It was only a couple of sentences, but it helped me to overcome that difficult year of school, ultimately triumphing over the prejudice that I faced.
Maru G. - School Counselor
Unearned privilege, by nature, begets indifference for it is easier to accept the status quo, no matter how unjust, when one stands to benefit from it. Too often, privilege leads otherwise "good" people to choose the comfort of complacency over the responsibility of action. By benefiting some at the expense of the "other," privilege perpetuates a system of oppression that ultimately brings all of us down.
As an ally, I cannot seek to eliminate heterosexism and transphobia if I am benefiting from a system that encourages such forms of oppression. I cannot challenge the status quo if I am actively sustaining it. I must ask more of myself. Being an Ally requires more than empty rhetoric and quiet affirmation. It demands more than blind idealism and kumbaya. Being an Ally means taking a stand. It means fighting for change instead of merely hoping for it. It means seeking equality while striving to build community. It means using one's privilege to help tear down the walls of oppression so that all may see the light of justice.