Ways to Fight Homophobia and Transphobia as a Straight Ally

1. Organize discussion groups at organizations/groups you belong to (a community of faith, education associations, social justice activist groups, etc.) to talk about the "Ten Ways Homophobia and Transphobia Affect Straight People."
2. Use neutral labels like "partner" or "significant other" instead of "boyfriend," "girlfriend," etc.
3. Bring up current LGBTQI issues in conversations with friends, at work, and in your community.
4. Interrupt anti-LGBTQI jokes, comments or any other behaviors that make homophobia and transphobia appear OK.
5. Put LGBTQI-positive posters at your work, community of faith, etc., and/or wear shirts, buttons, etc. that promote LGBTQI equity and straight ally visibility.
6. Don't make assumptions about peoples' sexual orientations or gender identities. Assume there are LGBTQI people in all classes, sports, meetings, at work, daily life, etc.
7. Don't assume that "feminine-acting men" and "masculine-acting women" are transgender or not heterosexual.
8. Don't assume that "macho males" or "feminine females" are heterosexual or not transgender.
9. Use your privilege as a straight ally to speak up for LGBTQI issues and rights whenever/wherever you can. Write letters to the editor, participate in marches, lend support to LGBTQI groups at work, a community of faith, etc.
10. As an ally to transgender folks, speak up when you hear slurs and attacks on people who express their gender outside of societal expectations. Educate people around you on the continuum of gender expression.

Adapted in part from the gay/straight alliance network @ www.gsanetwork.org, Christa Kriesel, Boulder County Public Health 2005