How can we be better allies this pride season? We asked The Proud Trust & here’s what they had to say…

Glow Hub are proud to have partnered up with The Proud Trust this pride season, if you are not already familiar with them they are a Manchester-based charity empowering LGBT+ young people to be proud of who they are. The Proud Trust delivers youth work and one-to-one support across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. The charity also runs a national training and inclusion programme for schools, Proud Connections Live Chat, and manages Manchester’s LGBT+ Centre, The Proud Place.

We took this opportunity to ask the Proud Trust how we can all be better allies to the LGBT+ community...

So first of all, what does being an ally mean?

An ally is someone who doesn’t identify as LGBT+ themselves but proactively supports LGBT+ people.

What are the first steps we should take to become a better ally?

Listen and learn! Everyone is the expert of their own experience so listen to LGBT+ people, but don’t rely on them. Take the time to educate yourself about LGBT+ history

How can we show and offer support to the LGBT+ community?

Make your allyship visible, wear rainbow lanyards and share your pronouns. You can find lanyards and pronoun badges on The Proud Trust shop!

Challenge LGBTphobic language and behaviours when you see/hear it.

How can we educate others on the LGBT+ community?

You can find resources to learn about the LGBT+ community and ways to support them on The Proud Trust website, visit theproudtrust.org for more.

If someone is LGBT+ or questioning their gender or sexuality and looking for someone to talk what is the best advice we can give?

If you know a young person who identifies as LGBT+ or is questioning their gender and/or sexuality and wants to talk to someone it would be a good idea to signpost them to support such as Proud Connections Live Chat, online support available to LGBT+ young people and the adults in their lives. This online service is available Monday to Friday, 11-6. Visit the proudtrust.org/proud-connections for more information

Where can we suggest to the LGBTQ+ community to go for support?

There are so many amazing organisations and community groups providing support for LGBT+ people across the UK. LGBT+ young people can find their local service using the map on our website. 

Why is being an ally SO important?

Being a proactive ally to LGBT+ people may give them the confidence to speak to you when they don’t know who else to turn to. Being an ally supports amplifying voices that may be unheard otherwise.

For resources and support please visit www.theproudtrust.org

To support The Proud Trust you can shop our exclusive pride season skincare bundles, with 25% of profits donated.