Dear John, In 2007, under the leadership of former PFLAG National Board President, John Cepek, PFLAG National launched the Straight for Equality program and a quirky new publication called the guide to being a straight ally. The program and publication were both designed to expand PFLAG National’s theory of change to nonfamily allies in a way that hadn’t been done before. At the time, we told allies they didn’t need to worry about politics or marriage equality or tougher, more uncomfortable conversations. Our focus was on treating others fairly and focusing on behavior, not belief. We wanted to provide allies a starting point to be more present and visible. But, my oh my, how times have changed. Now in its fifth edition, and lovingly renamed The Guide to Being an Ally to LGBTQ+ People, we’re asking allies to do much, much more. Of course, it is still a resource that includes first hand accounts from allies who are doing the work, breaks down common stumbling blocks that allies often face, identifies specific actions that allies can take to create a more welcoming and affirming world, and provides additional resources that can help. However, the era of the “no politics promise” is officially over. We want to help allies to take action in all the arenas where it matters, whether it’s the home, school, work, or our communities. If you’d like to learn more about PFLAG National’s updated publication you can download it here: pflag.org/LGBTQAllyGuide and it is available for purchase at the PFLAG National Bookstore. With the support of Idem Translations and multiple Spanish speaking members of the PFLAG National staff, this publication is available in Spanish for the first time ever! If you’d like to donate to support the work that the Straight for Equality program is doing to engage allies in the fight for equality, you can do so here. If you have questions about the ally engagement workshops PFLAG National’s Learning & Inclusion team offers to our philanthropic and training partners, visit: straightforequality.org/topic/in-the-workplace/ |
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