For LGBTI and gender diverse young people, coming out to their friends, peers and parents can be a stressful and uncertain time, and they’re at a significantly greater risk of anxiety, depression and suicide.
As well, same-sex attracted and gender-diverse young people often face discrimination, rejection, social isolation or a lack of support – which can contribute to mental health issues. A good way to support your friend during this challenging time is to become their ally.
An ally is someone who stands up for, supports and encourages the people around them. It’s a term that gets used a lot in the LGBTQI+ community. In this case it refers to someone who is heterosexual and/or cisgender, but who tries to make the world a better place for people who identify as LGBTQI+.
Being an ally means: supporting equal rights for everyone – regardless of race, sexual orientation, gender or religion; doing what you can to call out discrimination and to fight for equality; trying to make the world a better place for anyone who identifies as LGBTQI+.
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