GLAAD: Be an ally and a friend

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Sure, you watch The Ellen DeGeneres Show on TV, and you "know" Alexis and Marc on Ugly Betty and Spencer and Ashley on South of Nowhere, but is there someone in your real life who is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT)? Probably.

Betty DeGeneres — Ellen's mom — made this comparison in her book "Just a Mom": "Let me suggest that we all know someone who is left-handed. Lefties make up roughly the same percentage [of the population] as gay people. And yet millions of Americans say they don't know someone who is gay. Unless those people who claim ignorance are living in a place called Fantasyland, they are most likely mistaken."

LGBT people are our mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins. This is a fact and it isn't going away. You have the opportunity to be an ally and a friend at home, school, church and work. A straight ally can merely be someone who is supportive and accepts the LGBT person, or a straight ally can be someone who personally advocates for equal rights and fair treatment.

Allies are some of the most effective and powerful voices of the LGBT movement. Not only do allies help people in the coming-out process, they also help others understand the importance of equality, fairness, tolerance and mutual respect.

As you read on, you will find helpful resources that will give you more information on being an ally and a friend.

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