This section is all about how to support other people on their own journeys of self-discovery. Wanting to kick off your own allyship? Start here!
- My Pronouns: Learn about all things personal pronouns: why they matter, using them, sharing yours, asking for others’, and gender inclusive usage!
- When Someone Comes Out to You – flyer: Check out this resource guide (When Someone Comes Out to You) from the Pride Center about how to support those in your life that come out to you.
- LGBTQ+ Glossary of Terminology: An ever updating list of gender and sexuality related terminology from the Safe Zone Project. Check this if you have no idea where to even start.
- Straight for Equality Initiative: From PFLAG–Straight for Equality provides information and resources that will help straight allies understand their role in supporting and advocating for LGBTQ people. PFLAG’s work with parents and families over the past 45 years has helped us learn that there is a coming out process for allies. It takes learning and resources if allies want to move from just feeling supportive to actively being supportive. For us, ally is both an identity and a verb.
- Ally Spectrum: Check out Straight for Equality’s ally spectrum. Are you a new ally, everyday ally, or super ally? Discover resources for every step of the way no matter where you land.
- Guide for Straight Allies: This guide will help you understand how straight allies fit in the effort to achieve equality for all. Learn more about what it means to be a straight ally and get some great tips and tools to being more supportive of your LGBTQ friends, family, and colleagues.
- When Someone Comes Out to You – PFLAG webinar: This brand-new webinar has some great tips, tools, and ideas for PFLAG members looking to support LGBTQ+ individuals who are planning to come out and new (and potential) allies who want to demonstrate their acceptance of LGBTQ folks in their lives. Whether you’re new to coaching people through coming out or looking for a refresher and to build your skills, the session provides action items to make you a more effective advocate.
We are revising this section–check back soon!
- 946-CARE: For distressed faculty and staff. UT’s top priority is the safety and well-being of faculty, staff, and students. The 946-CARE (865-946-2273) program is available twenty-four hours a day to help faculty and staff maintain a secure and healthy working environment. For more information, check out their website here: https://hr.utk.edu/care/
Books and articles
Online resources
- PFLAG: PFLAG is a national organization focused on promoting allyship and creating community. “PFLAG is the extended family of the LGBTQ community. We’re made up of LGBTQ individuals, family members and allies. Because together, we’re stronger.” Find a local chapter here.
- Gender Basics for Parents: Discussions of gender are everywhere these days. Unfortunately, these discussions can leave us more confused than ever. This video will provide you the foundation you need to support your own children and others.
- Our Children: Our Children offers a fresh eye for families and others about what to do when a loved ones comes out. Full of useful knowledge, helpful tips, expert opinions and first-person stories, Our Children–which has a focus on sexual orientation and gender expression–is a must read for anyone looking to learn more about how to support LGBTQ loved ones…or looking for support for themselves. From PFLAG.
- Our Trans Loved Ones: Our Trans Loved Ones is a brand-new, updated resource. Written by PFLAG staff members, and created with the help of content experts, reviewers, and PFLAGers with experience to share, it is full of information, first-person stories, and expert input geared to those who have a loved one who has come out as trans or gender expansive.
- Acceptance Within Families of Color training toolkit: an informational toolkit from PFLAG based on their “Family Acceptance Within Families of Color” presentation.