1 – DO NOT “OUT” SOMEONE.
Disclosing a person’s sexual orientation or gender journey without their permission can be harmful to that person. If someone chose to share that with you or if you’ve heard anything from others call it out as gossip and DO NOT share without consent.
2 – LISTEN.
Simply listen to the people who you are trying to support. Follow activists on social media. Read work by people who are part of marginalized communities. Talk to the people in your life who are directly affected. As an ally, your job is to listen & learn.
3 – SPEAK OUT AGAINST DISCRIMINATION.
Take some time to challenge people’s beliefs, and speak up for those who are not there. Interrupt offensive jokes or stories and say you don’t want to hear them. Be prepared for this to happen. Think of yourself as the one who will speak up. Promise yourself not to remain silent.
4 – GET COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE
Stepping up for someone being bullied. Making friends with someone you don’t know. Challenging a friend or family member. Being corrected when you’ve made a mistake. These experiences might make you uncomfortable, and by leaning into it, you can grow, learn and expand what makes you comfortable.
5 – BE A FRIEND.
Is someone sitting alone? Talk to them. is someone being bullied or harassed? Step up for them. Show kindness and support to the targets of negative behaviour. Never judge or shame people for their bodies, abilities, beliefs, cultures or identities.
6 – BE INCLUSIVE.
Small actions add up to a more inclusive experience. When addressing people, avoid using gender-specific words. Ask people for their pronouns and give yours. Do not dismiss other people’s experiences. Challenge stereotypes. Recognize your biases. Avoid assumptions – if you’re unsure, just ask. Be aware of your privileges.
7 – CREATE A SAFE ZONE.
When you display a rainbow flag, safe space or safe zone sign, it means you want to help marginalised people by offering an environment in which everyone can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, harassment, or harm.
8 – DISPLAY THIS PAGE.
Show Chilliwack that you are a safe person and that everyone is welcome In your space by hanging this page!
The Chilliwack Pride Society recognizes the ancestral traditional territory of the Pilalt and Ts’elxweyeqw Stó:lō Coast Salish peoples, on which we operate as settlers, and honor them as the rightful keepers of this land.
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