What is an ally?

We will have to repent in this generation not merely for
the hateful words and actions of the bad people
but for the appalling silence of the good people."--M.L.King

An ally: is someone joined with another for a common purpose. Allies includes all individuals who, whether they themselves are gay or straight, support gay, lesbian,bisexual, and transgender individuals. It is never necessary to disclose your sexual orientation.

An ally is:

• An ally is someone joined with another for a common purpose. Allies includes all individuals who, whether they themselves are gay or straight, support gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals. It is never necessary to disclose your sexual orientation.

• Allies provides "safe" people to talk with if you are dealing with sexual orientation, either your own or that of a friend, or family member.

• Baldwin-Wallace Community members provide support, recommend resources, and maintain confidentiality.

• We openly welcome people who seek to educate the community, counter homophobic attitudes, and promote equal respect and treatment for everyone.

• Also, people who try to make school more inclusive and comfortable for gay, lesbian,bisexual, transgender members of the community.

• What does it mean to be an ally and wear the Allies button?
• I am an advocate for gay, lesbian,bisexual, and transgender people.

• I know that I will be making a difference in the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender members of the campus community.

• I possess the courage to take a stand for the dignity and worth of every human being.

• I am designated as a "safe person" for someone who is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered or who has a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered friend or family member, to speak with. This means that I am committed to providing support and to maintaining confidentiality.

• I will work to confront homophobia, heterosexism and transphobia by demonstrating my support of people in various ways. This could include speaking up when a homophobic joke or stereotype is related, planning awareness activities, encouraging discussions about oppression, or looking within myself to unlearn my own "myths" that society has instilled in me. I will offer my support to the fullest extent of my own personal abilities.

• Though I am an ally for lesbian women, gay men, bisexuals,and transgender individuals. I will understand that my allied actions will mean little if I simultaneously put down other groups of people on the basis of their race, religion, culture, gender, social status, physical or mental abilities.

What does it mean to be an ally and wear the Allies button?

  • I am an advocate for gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender people.

  • I know that I will be making a difference in the lives of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender members of the campus community.

  • I am have the courage to take a stand for the dignity and worth of every human being.

  • I am designated as a "safe person" for someone who is gay, lesbian, bisexual,or transgendered or who has a gay, lesbian, or bi, transgendered friend or family member, to speak with. This means that I am committed to providing support and to maintaining confidentiality.

  • I will work to confront homophobia, heterosexism and transphobia by demonstrating my support of people in various ways. This could include speaking up when a homophobic joke or stereotype is related, planning awareness activities, encouraging discussions about oppression, or looking within myself to unlearn my own "myths" that society has taught. I will offer my support to the extent of my own personal abilities.

  • Though I am an ally for lesbian women, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender indiviuals. I will understand that my allied actions will mean little if I simultaneously put down other groups of people on the basis of their race, religion, culture, gender, social status, physical or mental abilities.