Allies of the Gay & Lesbian Community Should Come Out of Closet Too

When putting together some articles for the Rainbow Journal coming out issue, it never quite dawned on me that a straight ally can come out too.

In doing some research on coming out resources, I found that the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC) has a section dedicated to allies... and how they too can come out.

In fact, allies can be a very important part of the bigger picture of changing social mores. If you think back in history, whites pronounced supports for blacks during the civil rights movement and men supported proclaimed support for women during the suffrage movement. But support from "outsiders" can't really happen if that support is not known. This is where coming out comes into play.

According to the HRC, coming out applies to straight allies as they acknowledge that they know and support a GLBT person-- and then take the next step by coming out about it to others. The website further states that some make a conscious decision to come out to others, and some experience a defining moment that spurs them to speak out.

Whether a straight ally knows it or not, when they talk about a fun night out at a gay bar with gay friends, talk about hot social issues surrounding GLBT issues among other straight people or simply talk about a gay friend or relative, they are helping shine a positive light on the gay community. Even if one does not know a member of the GLBT community, they could be motivated to become an ally simply because they disagree with the discrimination they can often face.

There are several reasons why some allies aren't forthcoming with their values around everyone, or even anyone. The HRC says that some people find that coming out to others as the friend or family member of someone who is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender is intimidating, similar to the way some GLBT people feel when coming out. Other heterosexuals may hesitate to come out due to the idea that if you are outspoken about GLBT issues or people, you must be one yourself. Finally, many high schools and colleges and communities have gay-straight alliances. Some people may feel joining a group as an ally could result in them wrongly labeled as gay.

However, many supporters align themselves with groups like this. The HRC website includes brief quote from Caleb Baker, a straight student and member of a GSA in New York City explains:

"People always ask why I care about a movement that does not include me. My answer is that the gay rights movement should include me. Although I am straight, I know people affected by hate and prejudice - they are my friends. I believe that everyone who has seen the face of hatred, whether affected by it or not, should be involved in preventing it...." he told the HRC.

When it comes to support for the local GLBT groups in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area, The Rainbow Alliance, many local (and straight) business owners, political leaders and media members have pledged their support for the community. Many businesses that cater to the general public make an extra special effort to let GLBT folks know they are welcome by displaying a sticker of support. On a larger scale, celebrities and politicians often will perform or attend at national GLBT functions and fundraisers.

Being in the closet as a supporter is not helping the cause one bit. Perhaps, if you are a straight person reading this, you can let others know you are out as an ally. Let other straight people see that you care about issues in the GLBTcommunity.... Maybe it'll rub off.