How to Be an Ally The influx of support from companies during Pride month is a phenomenal way to support and bring awareness to the everyday issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. However, participating businesses should be mindful of ‘rainbow washing’ to ensure that their support is impactful. Rainbow washing is a term used to describe companies that only show their support for the LGBTQ+ community within the month of June. They may roll out initiatives during this month, change their profile image to their logo designed in Pride flag colors, and might even have products that give portions of their proceeds back to LGBTQ+ organizations - all of these are great things! But, to some in the LGBTQ+ community, the one-month-a-year-only support can come off as insincere or as if businesses are using the cause for a quick cash grab. Frequently, piles of Pride products end up in the clearance bin come July 1st, and the outreach and donations to LGBTQ+ organizations dry up. So, how can a company lend its support to the LGTBQ+ community throughout the year? First and foremost - support your LGBTQ+ employees! Make sure that they know where they work is a safe space and that your business is inclusive for EVERYONE. Support LGBTQ+ charities and organizations year-round. The bracelet company Pura Vida is a great example of this, as they support more than 200 charity partners all year long. Next, take a look at your local LGBTQ+ community and see what organizations are close to home! Giving back to your community not only fosters a positive image for your business but it strengthens the fabric of the community itself. Pura Vida Pride Bracelets and T-shirt Source: puravidabracelets.com Allgo Allgo supports QPOC - or queer people of color - in all manner of things, from health and wellness to social justice and the cultural arts. Dallas Hope Charities & Resource Center Resource Center is one of the biggest LGBTQ+ resources in the United States, with six locations across Dallas focusing on LGBTQ+ health. Including HRT (Hormone Therapy), HIV/ AIDS, and more. They also have recently opened the first LGBTQ+ senior housing in Dallas. The Human Rights Campaign You might have seen their logo, which is a blue background with a yellow equal sign. They actively fight for equality by helping to pass important legislation to keep LGBTQ+ folks safe and get the care they need to be their best selves. The Trevor Project The Trevor Project is a stellar organization that provides resources to LGBTQ+ youth. LGTBQ+ kids are especially vulnerable as they oftentimes do not feel safe in their homes or school and don’t have access to the resources they need to thrive. The Trevor Project provides counselors to talk about suicide, gender identity, and more. Plus, they help pass legislation to keep kids safe. The Human Rights Campaign Source: hrc.org SAGE - Advocacy & Services for LGBTQ+ Elders Name twins! SAGE is an awesome organization that provides services for and addresses issues relating to the elder LGTBQ+ community.They have a resource hotline, provide technical assistance, HIV/AIDS healthcare and assistance, including navigating social security, Medicare and Medicaid, caregiving, and housing. GLAAD GLAAD is the world’s largest LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization. They work to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation and create national and local programs to advance LGBTQ+ acceptance. GLAAD has had a direct impact on inspiring positive LGBTQ+ cultural representation by nurturing understanding and holding social media platforms accountable for misinformation. www.hrc.org www.thetrevorproject.org www.glaad.org www.sageusa.org www.allgo.org www.myresourcecenter.org www.dallashopecharities.org
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