Friends, let’s talk about allyship.
The term “ally” gets thrown around a lot, and for good reason. In the progressive community, the idea of showing up for marginalized groups has become a big part of how we support one another in this work. And of course, this is a critical concept for white and cis-gender folks to understand and embrace.
But what does it truly mean to be an ally?
To me, it in part means taking on some of the responsibility that’s heaped on to other communities – helping carry the weight of the hardships, nuances, and setbacks and lifting up the accomplishments and the celebrations just like we would in our own lives. It means learning when to step up so that some of the heaviest work – like educating people on what it means to live as a marginalized person – doesn’t fall on their shoulders every time.
These are lessons my two siblings – one of whom is trans and the other gender-nonconforming – have patiently taught people in their lives so that we can better show up for them.
And while I feel personally and deeply connected to the LGBTQ+ rights movement, I think just about anyone reading this email would agree that everyone – me, my siblings, you, your neighbors – deserve to feel safe, no matter our different experiences, challenges, and privileges.
It’s up to us to use whatever privilege we have for good, to focus on concrete ways to be an ally, and to participate fully in the push for progress.
One of the ways I show up as an ally is by using my position as a Member of Congress to fight for progress and raise awareness – and it’s why I was so proud to be included in a list of “five lawmakers to watch in the fight for LGBTQ equality” – a piece that highlighted the ways my colleagues and I are fighting back against the wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric.
But our work in Congress is just one aspect of this effort when, at every level of government, we’re seeing extremism take hold. From the influx of anti-LGBTQ+ state legislation that is putting this year on track to be the worst on record to Republicans in Congress proposing banning Pride flags at government buildings. From Ron DeSantis actually fundraising off a photo of President Biden standing in front of a Pride flag – as if that were a political “hit” – to the Supreme Court that just ruled in favor of a graphic designer who didn’t want to create wedding websites for same-sex couples (who, by the way, never asked her to in the first place).
Being an ally is more important than it’s ever been before.
Just like the word “love” is both a noun and a verb, the word “ally” is the same. It’s not enough to say “I’m an ally” – we all have to step up and take action to ally ourselves with the people and the movements that need our support.
I’d love to hear from you about allyship. How are you an ally, and what have allies meant to you? If you have thoughts to share, please take a moment to reply to this email and let me know.
Thanks as always for reading – and to all my San Diego friends, happy Pride!
-Sara
