Allies: The Forgotten Warriors

An Ally of the LGBTTQ is a person who does not judge a person for being homosexual, bisexual, transgendered, Two-Spirited, or Queer. They are considered to as much a part of the Collective as anyone else.

They are the *. The so often forgotten by big media because the big media wants to hear from the gay and transgendered people. The in the background. The friend. Even we as Queer people can get so caught up with our Rally-cry that even we sometimes forget about our Allies.

But without our Allies there would be no Collective. And let’s face it, without our Allies most of us would still be hiding in the closet. I know that I would. I would never have come out if it were not our Allies. My friends. People willing to accept me for who I am no matter what.

An Ally can be any person or any group of people and they can be of any religious view, educational background, or social status.

An Ally is not expected to help out with events but we have been blessed throughout the years to have Allies who step in and help with events.

Our Allies are everywhere and in some of the most unexpected places.

In recent months, I have found out that there are people living in the community of Brandon who just quietly accept us. And really, that is all we could ever ask or hope for.

When I think about our Allies, I am reminded of the five ways one can use to express kindness. Writing, gifts, physical, verbal, servant hood.

I have heard of Allies who wrote beautiful poems about their gay friends. In the Brandon University LGBTTTQ* Collective, some of our Allies have assisted in the designing and distribution of our posters or other Queer friendly material.

Gift giving is something friends sometimes do and like I said before Allies are friends. But I feel I should mentioned about the gift our Allies (my friends) gave me. Being a Good listener and a good friend. The greatest gift an Ally can give.

Allies who give hugs. People should understand that it does not matter if you are homosexual or heterosexual, you can have friends of any gender who know physical contact like a hug is just a hug. Hugs are wonderful though, wonderful like our Allies.

Being a verbal Ally does not mean that you have to join our Rally-cry. Although many have. Some Allies out there are the ones who stood up in front of someone being picked on and told the bullies to go away. A verbal Ally is a friend and asking “How are you?” is just as important. Servant hood is one of the most hidden and yet amazing ways of expressing kindness. In the BU LGBTTQ* Collective we have had and currently have many Allies who demonstrate a servant’s heart. At our events they have: flipped burgers, done the shopping, helped decorate, made phone calls, done coat check, and much more.

An Ally of the BU LGBTTQ Collective is more then an . An Ally is a person who should be respected for who they are. An Ally is a Warrior that should never be forgotten. An Ally is a friend.

As this year’s External Affairs Officer I would like to extend a thanks to all our Allies; past, present and future.

Thank you for being a warrior in your own way.