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GLSEN's Days of Action
Ally Week
September 23-27, 2019
How can I be an ally?
Ally is a verb. Allyship is not performative, it’s action-oriented. Being an ally means taking action in solidarity with LGBTQ students and responding to their self-determined requests, for example, using the correct pronouns when referring to classmates or signing petitions demanding LGBTQ inclusion or policy change at school. Being an ally also means that LGBTQ students act in solidarity with other students who hold identities that are marginalized or attacked in our society.
We all have a role in supporting the LGBTQ community at school. Registration is for student leaders and K-12 educators, and anyone can learn about allyship and sign up to take action.
Ally Week + Bi Awareness Week
We are proud to kick off Ally Week by centering and lifting up our Bisexual community on Bi Awareness Day! GLSEN’s Bisexuality Week recognition will be the week prior to Ally Week.
Bi Awareness Day is on Monday, September 23, we will kick off Ally Week by being in solidarity with Bi Net in bringing visibility to bisexual identities!
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How to Participate
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Support
Listen closely to the LGBTQ students at your school, and let them take the lead. If you’re an educator try our educator guide to learn ways to participate!
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Join the Conversation
LGBTQ students, what do you need from your allies? Share on social media using #MyAllies, and snap a selfie with our #MyAllies sign!
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Learn
We can all recognize our privilege, keep learning, and take action to be better allies to each other, uplifting the most marginalized voices. If you’re an educator check out our actions we've listed specifically for educators looking to be allies to LGBTQ students and all their intersecting identities.
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Organize
Run an Ally 101 workshop, or create your own plans! You can use this letter from GLSEN and this letter from the ACLU when planning.
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Teach
Ally Week is an opportunity for K-12 students and educators in the LGBTQ community to lead the conversation on what they need from their allies in school. It’s a time to begin the school year with a focus on visibility, affirmation, and solidarity with students, educators, and LGBTQ-headed families in your school community. Ally Week is a perfect time to include our lesson plans for elementary, middle, and high school in your curriculum.
Shop Ally Week
Ally Week Organizational Allies
These organizations have endorsed Ally Week in support of LGBTQ-inclusive schools.
ALSO Youth
American Civil Liberties Union
Athlete Ally
Beta Phi Omega Sorority, Inc.
Boston GLASS
Brooklyn Community Pride Center
CAMBAs Project Accept LGBTQ Youth (ALY)
CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers
Civil Rights Memorial Center
El Paso Safe Schools Texas
Futures Without Violence
Gallaudet University
Gay Youth Milwaukee
Gay-Straight Alliance Network
Global Business Academy
Globeautique /Diversity Fest
GroundSpark
Helping Women Win
Improve Sexual Health and Right Advocacy Initiative (ISHRAI)
It Gets Better Project
Jacksonville System of Care
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center
Lotus Rising Project
Memphis Public Library and Information Center
National Women's Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation (NWCAVE)
New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault
NOH8 Campaign
Not In Our Town
One Iowa
One Million Kids For Equality
Outsports.com
People for P.E.O.P.L.E.
PFLAG
Point Foundation
Project HEAR Us Foundation
Reaching Out MBA Inc.
Reconciling Ministries Network
Safe Schools Action Network
Safe Schools South Florida
Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists
San Fernando Valley LGBT Community
Seacoast Outright
STOMP Out Bullying
Straight But Not Narrow
TEEN LINE
The Bridge Coaching and Wellness
The Center for Gender Equity
Third Level Crisis Center
Trans-Cendence International
True Colors United
Tyler Clementi Foundation
United Church of Christ
Youth M.O.V.E. National