Allies and the LGBTQ+ community

Abstract

This research looks into what is to be an ally to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trangender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) community at the University of Wisconsin-Stout (UW-Stout). It will provide insight into what an ally is and how individuals can work to become an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. At UW-Stout, there exists many strong organizations focused on allies and the LGBTQ+ community. This research delves into what the LGBTQ+ community expects of the allies of these organizations. Qualitative data was collected from a focus group held at the Qube, which is the LGBTQ+ resource center at UW-Stout. These participants were voluntary attendees recruited through public advertising. They provided their experiences of when they felt supported in their identities and what they believe allies are. In it’s findings, this research will show that the status of an ally to the LGBTQ+ community is something that is given to non-community members by the community through their efforts of respecting queer spaces, acceptance and normalization, education and self-sufficiency, and active engagement in social issues. This paper further outlines how individuals can take on this role and become an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.