Posted at April 23, 2020
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Five Ways Students Can Advocate For LGBTQ Rights – C. Imani Williams

 

Five Ways Students Can Advocate For LGBTQ Rights           – C. Imani Williams

Queer students passionate about living authentic lives get involved in a community. There are a plethora of ways to contribute to the fight for equality. Please know, that your voice is appreciated. No pressure, take your time. The community is here and waiting for your gifts.

1) Join a GSA

If your school has a Gay-Straight Alliance, join. GSA’s function like other extracurricular school-sponsored clubs. GSA members share a common interest, they are people concerned with fighting homophobia. Safe space is created with queers and allies working together. Radical.

If a GSA is a foreign concept you may need to start one. A teacher or faculty member to serve as the group advisor and a written plan to pitch school administrators. There’s strength in numbers so it is helpful if there are others who will stand with you.The Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) can provide resources. You can access activities and programming that unites students across the country.

You know probably know other queer kids at your school. Talk to them and see if they are interested in a meeting space. You are likely to get takers. It’s always righteous to reach out to shy kids, too. Be mindful that some people are in the questioning stage. Be gentle and not pushy.

2) Get Involved With Your Local LGBTQ Center

Visit your local LGBTQ center and see what activities they have planned for youth. You will find resources and a variety of programming that will help you hone communication and organizing, and programming skills. Volunteering to work on committees can help you obtain reference letters later and maybe even employment. If you have a unique idea take it to the program director, they may be interested. Get in the door and show them what you can do.

3) Beat The Social Media Drum

Social media has changed the game in how we communicate. It’s a tool that can be used by students interested in engaging the issues in by being out front and visible and those who are more low-key. Join pages and groups. Check out the tone of the group, how they engage, and if group members are respectful of one another. If the topics grab your interest and you’re comfortable, contribute. Copy links to current events for your files. The queer community is ever-changing, so document today’s events to discuss now and in future years.

3) Consider Sharing Your Story

For those with storytelling aspirations, there are opportunities to submit writing for publication. with publishers seeking stories from youth and young adult writers. In addition to doing your own computer research for submission opportunities, check with your school English department, librarian, and counselor. Write about your coming out experience, or the desire to do so. Share your story poetry or an essay. There are people waiting to read your story. One, that is uniquely yours.

4) Get Involved In Pride Planning

Pride planning can take place year-round and many hands are needed to pull off a successful event. It’s a great way to gain experience with an array of committee choices to work on. There’s something special about a few people coming together to make a fun event for thousands to enjoy. Along the same lines are organizations that need youth leadership boards. Youth serve in the capacity of youth board members and get to make suggestions. Most organizations recognize the need for fresh voices. It helps them keep abreast of the type of programming to consider. Well run and thought out programming generates funding. If your idea can increase revenue and fits with the organization’s brand and goals, you may be a shoo-in.

5) Be Yourself!

The easiest way to advocate for LGBT rights as a student is to be yourself. Live your life with pride. Feeling good about yourself and having a willingness to help others get there are awesome goals. Communicate to others how much you ride for the right to be you, and what that means, by being the best you possible. Represent.

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