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We often talk about the importance of allies.
But what can we do?
Being an ally isn’t a label you slap on—it’s an ongoing commitment. There’s no magic formula, but there are concrete ways to support lasting, meaningful change.
Listen Actively
Welcoming and accepting the experiences of LGBTQ+ people with openness—without correcting or minimizing—is a first step. Active listening creates space for recognition and trust, two fundamental human needs.
Commit to Continuous Learning
Understanding LGBTQ+ realities better helps you feel more confident discussing them, avoid microaggressions, support loved ones and raise awareness in your circles.
Here are a few ideas to stay informed:
- Follow Fondation Émergence on Instagram
- Listen to a podcast (like Fondation Émergence)
- Read a book or graphic novel by LGBTQ+ authors—visit your local bookstore or the Bibliothèque à livres ouverts in Montréal
Reflect and Challenge Yourself
We’ve all grown up in a society shaped by biases about sexual and gender diversity. Having unconscious bias is human—what matters is recognizing it.
To get started:
- Try an Implicite association test to uncover unconscious
- Ask yourself questions like: Where do my assumptions come from? How can I unlearn them?
Seeking out positive representations and adopting inclusive practices are a strong foundation for unlearning.
Create Change Within Your Own Sphere
You don’t need to lead an organization to make a difference. Everyone has a sphere of influence—family, friends, colleagues, school, local communities…
Here are a few meaningful actions you can take:
- Invite yourschool, employer or city to recognize May 17 (International Day AgainstHomophobia and Transphobia)
- Propose an awareness activity
- Advocate for the creation of gender-neutral spaces
- Donate to an LGBTQ+ organization or anti-LGBTQphobia initiative.
Looking critically at your environment can help identify norms or practices that need improvement—whether at work, school or in your community.
Respond to LGBTQphobia
According to Fondation Émergence (2025), 43% of people who witness LGBTQphobic comments or behaviour don’t respond. Yet a respectful, kind response can make a real difference.
Some people don’t feel safe to speak up—and that’s where allies are key:
- Push back against stereotypes
- Debunk misinformation
- Use nonviolent communication.
Sometimes, just asking a question or offering a gentle factual correction is enough to spark reflection … and change.
Be Visible as an Ally
1 in 5 people in Canada say it’s hard to show public support for LGBTQ+ people (Fondation Émergence, 2025). But visible allyship is crucial in:
- Inspiringothers to get involved
- HelpingLGBTQ+ people feel safer
- Discouraging discriminatory behaviour.
There are countless ways to contribute to change. We all have biases and acknowledging them is how we grow.
There’s no such thing as a “small” act of solidarity—every action matters.
Learning, listening, reflecting, taking action in your community, and responding with care—these are all ways to move from being a passive by stander to an active ally.
Together, we can help build a more inclusive society.
