How to Be an Ally to LGBTQ+ Friends and Family During the Holiday Season

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The holiday season can be a complex time for members of the LGBTQ+ community. As families gather and traditions come into play, it’s important to ensure that LGBTQ+ friends and family feel supported and included. This guide offers practical tips on how to be an effective ally during the holiday season, covering topics like church concerns, welcoming partners, and supporting LGBTQ+ businesses.

Use Proper Pronouns and Names

One of the simplest yet most impactful ways to show your support is by using the correct pronouns and names. This demonstrates respect and acknowledgement of their identity. If you’re unsure, politely ask for their preferred pronouns. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way in making someone feel seen and respected.

Create a Welcoming Home Environment

The holidays often involve family gatherings, and it’s important to create a space where everyone feels welcome. If an LGBTQ+ family member wants to bring a partner, ensure they feel as included and accepted as any other guest. Avoid making assumptions about their relationships or identities, and strive to create a comfortable environment for open and respectful conversations.

Addressing Church and Religious Observances

Religious observances can be particularly challenging for LGBTQ+ individuals. If your holiday traditions involve church or religious activities, it’s important to be mindful of how these may affect your LGBTQ+ loved ones. Engage in open conversations to understand their comfort levels and consider finding inclusive ways to celebrate that respect everyone’s beliefs and identities.

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Support LGBTQ+ Owned Businesses

The holiday season is also a time for giving, and one way to show support is by choosing to buy gifts from LGBTQ+ owned businesses. This not only supports the community economically but also promotes inclusivity and diversity.

Encourage Inclusive Conversations and Activities

Facilitate inclusive conversations and activities during holiday gatherings. Suggest games and entertainment that don’t reinforce traditional gender roles, and choose media that reflects diversity. This approach ensures that everyone feels comfortable to participate, making the holiday experience more enjoyable for your LGBTQ+ friends and family.

Be an Advocate for Respect and Equality

Actively challenge any homophobic or transphobic remarks and educate others on LGBTQ+ issues. Your role as an ally extends beyond personal support; it involves promoting inclusivity and equality in your wider community. Your efforts in advocating for a more accepting society play a crucial part in enhancing the holiday season for everyone.

Model Inclusive Language and Behavior

As an ally, it’s important to lead by example. Use inclusive language in your conversations, being mindful of the diverse range of identities and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community. This includes avoiding assumptions about people’s partners, gender identities, or family structures. By modeling respectful and inclusive behavior, you set a positive example for others and help create a more welcoming atmosphere for your LGBTQ+ friends and family.

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Provide Resources and Information

Offer resources and information to help others understand LGBTQ+ experiences and challenges. This could involve sharing articles, books, or documentaries that shed light on LGBTQ+ issues. Providing these resources can be especially helpful in educating family members who may be less familiar with LGBTQ+ topics, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy within your community.

Offer Emotional Support and Understanding

Finally, remember that the holidays can be emotionally challenging for LGBTQ+ individuals. Be available to offer support, listen to their concerns, and stand up for them if they face discrimination or discomfort. Your understanding and support can make a significant difference in their holiday experience.

Be an LGBTQ+ Ally This Holiday Season

Being an ally to LGBTQ+ friends and family during the holiday season is about creating a space of love, respect, and inclusivity. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that the holiday season is a joyful and welcoming time for everyone.

**Disclaimer: There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate or sponsor links. If you make a purchase through them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you (for which we are extremely grateful)

Also, while we do our best to highlight LGBTQ-friendly destinations and businesses, info provided is based solely on personal experience and recommendations by community partners. We hope that nobody experiences discrimination or homophobia while visiting Florida and beyond, but we make no guarantees. Please inform us if you experience discrimination or homophobia while visiting any destination so we can make updates to our recommendations.

ChatGPT or another AI writing platform may have contributed to the writing of this article.

Rachel Covello

Rachel Covello is an award-winning speaker, writer, diversity consultant, and LGBT advocate. She was the Founder of LGBT Equality Alliance, a Chester County, PA nonprofit organization. She is currently the Publisher of OutCoast.com and Producer of the OutCoast TV YouTube Channel, both of which highlight LGBTQ welcoming destinations in Florida.

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