Ways to show allyship beyond June

Allyship is an all-year-round commitment

Every June, we notice the rainbow flags appear in every store’s window, Pride-themed social media posts fill up our feeds and communities come together to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

But what happens when June ends and the new start of July arrives?

Pride Month is an important time for celebration, visibility and building and bringing together the community, but the values behind Pride aren’t meant to last for only 30 days. The movement began as a way to fight for equality, safety and human rights, and these goals are what continue long after the parades end.

One of the most meaningful ways to honour Pride is by carrying that spirit of support throughout the year.

Why June?

A bar with the name "The Stonewall Inn" — *Photo by Karly Jones on Unsplash*

Pride Month traces back to the Stonewall Uprising of June 28, 1969, in New York City, a series of protests that began after police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. At the time, 2SLGBTQIA+ people faced discrimination, and many lived in fear of being arrested for simply expressing their identity.

But on that June night, they fought back, and what began as a spontaneous act of resistance grew into several days of demonstrations and became a turning point for the modern 2SLGBTQIA+ rights movement.

Today, Pride Month is often associated with festivals, parades and events, but its origins are deeply rooted in advocacy, visibility and perseverance to fight for equal rights. Understanding this history serves as a reminder that Pride is a continuous movement that still exists today.

Small actions matter

A white board reading "Hello, My pronouns are ___ / ___" — *Photo by Alexander Grey on Unsplash*

Consistency is always better when it comes to expressing support. When supporting the community, small actions are always better than one-time gestures. And it most definitely doesn’t require attending every Pride event.

Often, allyship is found in simple and small, everyday actions.

It can be as simple as respecting someone’s chosen name and pronouns, correcting misinformation when you hear it, calling out habits that are not inclusive and educating those around you, or making an effort to use inclusive language.

These moments may seem small, but they contribute to creating environments where people feel respected and welcomed.

Creating an inclusive space on campus

A student sitting alone in a large classroom — *Photo by Philippe Bout on Unsplash*

For many of us students, campus is where we spend most of our time. Creating an inclusive space is the ultimate way to ensure that everyone feels seen and valued.

You can start with simple actions like introducing yourself with your pronouns if you’re comfortable, ensuring that everyone in group activities is welcoming to each other and being conscious and mindful of assumptions about gender or relationships.

You can also support campus events that serve 2SLGBTQIA+ students. Whether this be through attending workshops and participating in campaigns held by the Resource Centre, or simply showing up to the events to support and help foster a stronger sense of belonging— each action matters.

Inclusion in the workplace

an office setting with people working at their desks — *Photo by Alex Kotliarskyi on Unsplash*

Many students also balance classes with part-time jobs, internships or co-op placements.

Being an ally at work can mean advocating for respectful and inclusive workplace practices, supporting colleagues who share their experiences and making the environment inviting for everyone to be themselves comfortably.

Does this mean having all the information about everything at all times? No.

Sometimes it is listening and expressing the eagerness to learn and being willing to speak up. Inclusive spaces are built through everyday actions and not by one annual celebration.

The online world

A man sitting and gaming on his computer — *Photo by ELLA DON on Unsplash*

As a tech-forward generation, much of our time is spent online. These digital spaces are powerful for creating connections and building communities, but they can also be spaces where misinformation and harmful comments can spread quickly.

Support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community by following and amplifying queer voices, sharing educational websites and reporting any hateful content. The internet has become one of the most important and influential spaces for community building.

Make digital allyship just as important as in-person support.

Community exists year-round

Women in vibrant cardigans hugging — *Photo by Vonecia Carswell on Unsplash*

June is definitely the most visible month for Pride but it is important to remember that these communities exist all year-round.

Many organizations host drag shows, educational workshops, film screening, networking events and much more all throughout the other months of the year.

Attending these events can be a great way to meet new people, learn new perspectives and support the organizations that help provide resources to the community.

Pride can be found in these communities, conversations and the new connections that find you every day afterward.

Pride all 12 months

A clock and a calendar put on a bright pink background — *Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash*

June gives us the opportunity to celebrate how far the 2SLGBTQIA+ community has come. And it is our responsibility to create our own opportunity to celebrate it for the rest of the year.

Even if you are creating more inclusive spaces, making the effort to learn, or simply treating others with respect and empathy, your allyship happen throughout the year.

The mission does not have an expiration date, even when the rainbow flags come down at the end of June. The values of Pride are worth carrying forward every day.

Feature image courtesy of Brian Kyed on Unsplash

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