🌈 How to be a better ally for LGBTQ+ and disabled people 🌈

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LGBTQ+ disabled people are immensely marginalised within society, with experiences and voices often overlooked. Often facing discrimination against both elements of identity, means facing numerous barriers and adversity in everyday life.

That’s why it’s crucial to have allies step up to support the LGBTQ+ disabled community. So how can you become a better ally to the LGBTQ+ disabled community?

Don’t make assumptions

Misconceptions are routed in a lack of understanding. Disabilities are complex and diverse, and a lot of people have hidden disabilities, which aren’t always immediately obvious. There’s no one way in which an LGBTQ+ disabled person will look, or act so it’s important never to assume based on a person’s gender, disability, or sexuality. As an ally you can step up by challenging your own assumptions.

Respect people’s experiences

Recognising every LGBTQ+ disabled person is a unique individual, with different lives and experiences, identity and voice. There’s a wide array of disabilities affecting people differently and how this interconnects with their sexuality will also differ.

As an ally it’s important to understand that not one single person’s experiences are a representation of the whole community. So, whilst it’s important to listen to someone’s experience, it’s also crucial not to expect that person to be the spokesperson for the LGBTQ+ disabled community.

Be aware of your language

Language is very important for marginalised communities, helping to identify in ways that feel empowering. This is especially true for the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, where individuals will have their own preference to the terminology used. You should always take the lead from the person and if you’re unsure, ask.

As an ally, it’s vital that you respect language and terminology preferences, and don’t use ableist, homophobic, biphobic, transphobic language for example and challenge those that do.

Take responsibility for your own learning

Being an ally is an ongoing journey and part of that process is constantly expanding our knowledge. However, it’s important not ask intrusive questions. You shouldn’t ask a person about either their disability or sexuality unless they speak to you about it first.

When someone is sharing their experience, it’s important to remember you shouldn’t rely on them to teach you. Don’t rely on LGBTQ+ disabled people to give you all the answers. Take it upon yourself to do the research to expand your knowledge and understanding.

Stand up for accessibility

Society is designed to meet the needs of non-disabled people meaning disabled people are often excluded from events and activities that are inaccessible. This particularly relates to LGBTQ+ spaces which often revolve around club nights, marches, and protests.

If you’re involved in these types of events, it’s crucial to be conscious of accessibility. As an organiser, ask yourself “am I making this accessible space for everyone?”. And if you’re participating in an event, ask this of the organisers. It’s important that accessibility is at the forefront of the agenda for all spaces and events. As an ally you’ll help to improve this by speaking up.

Challenge ableism

Ableism is any prejudice, bias, or discrimination against the community. Unfortunately ableism is evident across society, including the LGBTQ+ community. LGBTQ+ disabled people with health problems that limit their activities have experienced ableism in their local LGBTQ+ community because of this.

It’s important to understand that we all have different lives and experiences. As an ally it’s important to educate yourself so you’re able to speak out and challenge ableism.

Keep it confidential

If a person comes out to you, or discloses their disability, it’s key to keep this to yourself. Be mindful that this person may have told you, but they might not be out to everyone. So it’s important to treat any information shared about their sexuality or disability confidentially. Do not share this information with anyone else, unless the person has said you can.

Show support to LGBTQ+ disabled organisations

A great way to show support is by learning about and supporting the organisations that are doing fantastic work. Here is a link for more information about the organisations and collective to support.