Being LGBTQ+ means belonging to a broad community of people whose sexual orientations, gender identities, or gender expressions don’t fit into the traditional heterosexual or cisgender framework. It includes lesbians, gay men, bisexual people, transgender people, queer or questioning individuals, and many others represented by the “+.” At its heart, it’s simply about how someone experiences love, attraction, gender, or self-identity — all of which are natural variations of human diversity.

For someone who is LGBTQ+ it simply means embracing your truth — in who you love, how you express yourself, or how you define your gender. It’s about claiming space in the world exactly as you are, without apology. It’s about connection to a vibrant community built on resilience, joy, and pride, where your journey of becoming is honored. Being LGBTQ+ is not just an identity — it’s a celebration of authenticity and the right to be seen, affirmed, and celebrated.

EVERYDAY RESPECT

• Use correct names and pronouns
  – If you’re unsure, politely ask. If you make a mistake, correct yourself and move on without making it awkward.

• Don’t assume
  – Don’t assume someone’s gender, sexuality, or partner(s). Let people share those parts of themselves when they’re comfortable.

• Respect privacy
  – “Coming out” is deeply personal. Never share someone’s identity unless they’ve given you permission.

INTERACTIONS & LANGUAGE

• Use inclusive language
  – Say “partner” instead of “boyfriend/girlfriend” if you’re unsure. Use “everyone” instead of “ladies and gentlemen.”

• Avoid stereotypes or jokes
  – Even “lighthearted” ones can reinforce harmful ideas.

• Celebrate diversity
  – Treat someone’s identity as a valid and valuable part of who they are, not as something strange or “other.”

SUPPORT & ALLYSHIP

• Educate yourself
  – Learn about LGBTQ+ issues, history, and experiences so the burden isn’t always on LGBTQ+ people to explain.

• Speak up against discrimination
  – If you hear homophobia, transphobia, or disrespectful remarks, challenge them (safely).

• Support LGBTQ+ spaces and creators
  – Whether that’s businesses, events, or community initiatives, your support makes a difference.

At its heart: Respect is about believing people when they tell you who they are, and treating them with dignity.

ON A PERSONAL LEVEL

• Listen & affirm: Believe people when they share their identity or experiences. A simple “Thanks for sharing that with me” can mean a lot.

• Use chosen names & pronouns: This validates someone’s identity in a deeply respectful way.

• Show up: Attend Pride events, performances, or workshops if invited — not as a spectator, but as someone who values and celebrates the community.

IN EVERYDAY LIFE

• Challenge discrimination: If it’s safe, speak up against homophobic or transphobic comments. Silence often signals acceptance to the person being harmful.

• Normalize inclusivity: Use inclusive language (“partner,” “folks,” “everyone”), and don’t assume relationships or genders.

• Respect privacy: Never out someone — let people choose when and how they share their identity.

AS AN ALLY

As an Ally

• Educate yourself: Read, watch, and learn from LGBTQ+ voices so the emotional labor isn’t only on community members.

• Support LGBTQ+ creators & businesses: Buy from queer-owned shops, share their work, and amplify their voices.

• Donate or volunteer: Contribute time or resources to LGBTQ+ nonprofits, crisis lines, shelters, or advocacy groups.

BIGGER PICTURE

• Vote & advocate: Support policies that protect LGBTQ+ rights in healthcare, education, and the workplace.

• Create safe spaces: Whether at school, work, or online, be someone who helps make environments welcoming and affirming.

• Celebrate openly: Share joy and pride in LGBTQ+ identities — don’t only focus on struggles.

At its core, supporting LGBTQ+ people means standing beside them, speaking up with them, and celebrating them for exactly who they are.