We’ve discussed a lot over the course of these articles. We’ve talked about LGBTQIA+ organizations of
the past and present, the observations of a long-time faculty member, the varying experiences of
LGBTQIA+ students, and how, though not perfect in every way yet, TLU is working toward becoming a
safe haven for LGBTQIA+ students.
Remember, this story is still being told, and we can all be part of it.
There was recently a mini-post on five little things you can do to help the LGBTQIA+ community. Let’s
discuss a few of those things here in a little bit more depth. Supporting S.A.F.E. could help create a
thriving safe space/resource for LGBTQIA+ students if enough people actually come through. Even if you
are (understandably) worried about joining an organization during a pandemic and a very unusual
semester, keeping it in mind for the future and helping spread the word would still be great steps to
take. And donating, even if you only donate a little bit, is also a great way to support the LGBTQIA+
community. You might wonder, “But where should I donate specifically?” Well, a quick internet search
will come up with a lot of different options, so just check out the individual policies of a few and go with
which one you feel is best. One example of a worthy organization to donate to is Equality Texas. Equality
Texas works for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people specifically in Texas, which is great, since Texas isn’t
known for being the most LGBTQIA+-friendly place in America. If you’d like to look into the organization
some more, check out this list of the critical issues they’re addressing right here:
https://www.equalitytexas.org/our-issues/issue-briefs/. If you’d like to donate to Equality Texas, here’s
the link: https://www.equalitytexas.org/take-action/donate/give/. Again, doing your own research and
finding what cause, issue, or organization resonates for you is a great plan.
Voting is also important. I’m definitely not going to tell you personally how to vote, but, if you call
yourself an ally, please do research into candidates’ LGBTQIA+ policies and histories, and vote for
candidates who will protect the LGBTQIA+ community. Don’t vote without considering the importance of
human equality first.
Last but definitely not least, it is so important to do little everyday things. If someone says something
that perpetuates any kind of discrimination, speak up! Maybe the person who said something offensive
doesn’t realize that it was offensive, or maybe they know and don’t care. Either way, you’ll be educating
them or letting them know that they can get called out for the things they say. Don’t exclude your
LGBTQIA+ friends or make them feel like they have to walk on eggshells around you when it comes to
their identity. Allow them to feel wholly accepted and relaxed. Let them know that they’re entirely
included—not just certain things about them.
TLU is already a haven for LGBTQIA+ students in some ways, but it’s not only TLU’s job to help it keep
moving in that direction—it’s all of ours.