“Many would-be allies fear making mistakes that could have them labeled as “-ist” or “-ic” (racist, sexist, transphobic, homophobic, etc). But as an ally, you’re also affected by a system of oppression. This means that as an ally, there is much to unlearn and learn—mistakes are expected. You need to own this as fact and should be willing to embrace the daily work of doing better.” 

-Amélie Lamont

Description on topic: 

What does it mean to be an ally? 

An ally seeks to understand what it feels like for another person or group to be oppressed, and despite knowing you will never fully understand how it feels, is committed to valuing and supporting people who are marginalized.  

“We all have a responsibility to make the world we live in a little better, and you kind of have to start where you are. What allyship is, is listening, compassion, to immerse yourself in content, in experiences, in stories, from groups that aren’t of your own. Anybody who sees something that isn’t quite right can become an ally and help their colleagues. When you’ve been through a struggle that hurt you for such a long time, I think you have this endless energy to give to others. Anyone can be an ally and everyone can use an ally, and you can use your privilege in the moment to extend that privilege to someone else. I think this is what makes us human, to help others and to be empathetic.” 

Being an ally is not an identity, it is a continual process – something that you must work at, be intentional about, and commit to – day in and day out.