It's official: Pride Month is back! A month dedicated to celebrating and honouring the LGBTQIA+ community. But what does that mean for you?

Right now, it's about showing meaningful solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ movement, regardless of your gender identity or sexual orientation. And this is where allyship comes in. 

First off, let’s clear up what being an ally actually means. The term ‘ally’ typically refers to someone who expresses meaningful solidarity with a marginalised group, to which they don't belong.

To do this, we can start by educating ourselves on LGBTQIA+ history. It's important to listen to the experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community and express sincere understanding.

If you want to be an ally to LGBTQIA+ people but don't know where to start, we've collated six key tips to think about over Pride Month:

1. Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about the LGBTQIA+ community, its history, and the issues it faces today. There are plenty of resources online, as well as books, documentaries, articles, and podcasts.

2. Listen: Listen to the experiences of LGBTQIA+ people and try to understand their perspective. Be open-minded and empathetic, and ask questions to learn more about their struggles and challenges.

3. Show Up: Attend Pride events and show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community. These events are important for raising awareness, building community, and celebrating diversity.

4. Donate: Consider making a donation to a LGBTQIA+ charity or organisation. Your contribution can help support the community and promote equality.

5. Use Inclusive Language: Avoid using language that is exclusionary or hurtful to the LGBTQIA+ community. Use inclusive language and gender-neutral pronouns, and respect people’s chosen names and identities.

6. Amplify LGBTQIA+ Voices: Use your platform to amplify the voices of LGBTQIA+ people. Share their stories, advocate for their rights, and promote diversity and inclusivity.

We also believe encouraging and celebrating the achievements of female LGBTQIA+ athletes is crucial for promoting inclusivity, representation, and empowerment in sports and beyond. By standing in solidarity with all LGBTQIA+ athletes, we can help break down barriers, inspire future generations, and promote intersectionality within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Megan Rapinoe, Billie Jean King, Brittney Griner, and Caster Semenya are just a few female LGBTQIA+ athletes who have made an impact in sports. These women and many others have paved the way for LGBTQIA+ athletes to be themselves and succeed in sports. However, there is still work to be done to ensure that all athletes are treated fairly and equally as they still face unique challenges, including discrimination, marginalisation, and a lack of visibility and representation.

We should all strive to create a world where everyone can live free from discrimination and violence, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community can be done in various ways, such as educating ourselves, being an ally, volunteering, donating, and advocating for their rights.

Remember, being an ally is a journey, and there is always room to learn and grow. By taking these steps and making a commitment to support the LGBTQIA+ community, you can help create a more inclusive and accepting world. 

Let's all work together to create a safe and inclusive world for everyone.