even if they have not accepted that about themselves
They also may not even know. The whole thing is a political minefield and trying to join in any conversation without knowing all the words tends to trigger a massive overreaction from allies and bigots alike.
I mean it’s why I hate people who self apply the term “ally” because a lot of “allies” do more harm than help.
Allyship is to be determined by those who need allies, not the people who talk big and claim to be allies while doing fuck-all.
If someone from a minority community decides I am an ally to their cause and calls me an “ally” then I am an ally, not because I self applied a bullshit label to make myself feel better about cisgender white guilt or something.
I would argue that one can be a self professed ally and still be an ally, even if you did it wrong.
Sometimes, just being willing to stand up and say “those people there? Those are my people, and I stand with them” is a powerful thing, even if the person saying it ends up being a fuckwit overall.
So, even folks that claim alliance to an oppressed group can end up a net positive just by inflating numbers, even when their specific views and actions aren’t well considered otherwise.
My workplace has a corporate-sponsored advocacy network. Basically, they organize little fundraisers and events throughout the year, and march in the pride parade while wearing the company logo. It’s… fine, I guess. Certainly the most inclusive gesture of any company I’ve ever worked for. But the entire network is straight, white women who identify as allies.
I tried going to a few events when I first joined the company, but it’s real weird being the only queer person at the Lunchtime Dance Party Charity Fundraiser. Like, they didn’t even play any Kylie Minogue. WTF?
They also may not even know. The whole thing is a political minefield and trying to join in any conversation without knowing all the words tends to trigger a massive overreaction from allies and bigots alike.
I mean it’s why I hate people who self apply the term “ally” because a lot of “allies” do more harm than help.
Allyship is to be determined by those who need allies, not the people who talk big and claim to be allies while doing fuck-all.
If someone from a minority community decides I am an ally to their cause and calls me an “ally” then I am an ally, not because I self applied a bullshit label to make myself feel better about cisgender white guilt or something.
I would argue that one can be a self professed ally and still be an ally, even if you did it wrong.
Sometimes, just being willing to stand up and say “those people there? Those are my people, and I stand with them” is a powerful thing, even if the person saying it ends up being a fuckwit overall.
So, even folks that claim alliance to an oppressed group can end up a net positive just by inflating numbers, even when their specific views and actions aren’t well considered otherwise.
I get where you’re coming from though!
You make a pretty solid case yourself, pardner.
My workplace has a corporate-sponsored advocacy network. Basically, they organize little fundraisers and events throughout the year, and march in the pride parade while wearing the company logo. It’s… fine, I guess. Certainly the most inclusive gesture of any company I’ve ever worked for. But the entire network is straight, white women who identify as allies.
I tried going to a few events when I first joined the company, but it’s real weird being the only queer person at the Lunchtime Dance Party Charity Fundraiser. Like, they didn’t even play any Kylie Minogue. WTF?