LGBTQ+ Allyship Beyond Pride Month Matters

• Millions will participate in Pride Marches across the US on Sunday, June 25 as alarming reports indicate that LGBTQ+ rights are under attack
• Anti-LGBTQ+ words and actions, including online hate speech, are contributing to LGBTQ+ individuals, especially youth, in declining mental health
• Media expert Robert Conner shares tips for individuals and organizations to improve their words and actions for stronger allyship — including sharing pronouns in everyday dialogue, and “year-round allyship”

This month is LGBTQ+ Pride month. While June is usually a time for celebration with rainbow-filled parades, recent headlines paint an alarming picture of LGBTQ+ rights. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and LGBTQ youth suicides are on the rise. Meanwhile, far-right extremists are loudly rallying against the sale of Pride merchandise.

Words and actions have meaning

Words and actions carry meaning. The wrong ones harm LGBTQ+ people.

Pride month and its events aim to counter the deeply rooted shame that society casts against the LGBTQ+ community. Shame is debilitating and can lead to mental illness, addiction, isolation, and death. And there is scientific consensus that words can cause real pain, equal to that of physical pain. Pride month and its…