Washington and Evans (1991) define an ally as "a person who is a member of the dominant or majority group who works to end oppression in his or her personal and professional life through support of, and as an advocate with and for, the oppressed population" (p.195).

An All Inclusive Ally (Modified from Poynter, K.,& Schroer S. (1999)):

1. Is a safe person for anybody to share his or her identity or human circumstance with.
2. Has good intentions that can be seen and felt.
3. Doesn't depend on just one person to represent an entire group.
4. Can hear a variety of opinions within a group or community.
5. Can see the similarities and differences between all people and other forms of oppression.
6. Is consistently supportive.
7. Is beyond tolerant; s/he is supportive, understanding, and accepting.
8. Celebrates others.
9. Is not expecting rewards or forgiveness.
10. Is not motivated by guilt.
11. Is willing to admit s/he doesn't know everything.
12. Knows when to speak up and when not to.
13. Is comfortable with people assuming that they identify with a minority group or have a minority human circumstance.

A heterosexual ally is one who takes action against homophobia, heterosexism (heterosexual privilege), and transphobia because they believe it is beneficial to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people and because they believe it is in their own self-interest as well.

*Adapted from “Teaching for Diversity and Social Justice”, edited by Adams, Bell, and Griffin, 1997.