• Conversations with GLB individuals to understand their experiences. Ask questions.
• Understanding your own homophobia, through self exploration.
• Reading about GLB people and their lives.

• Learning about laws and policies that effect GLB people
• Educating yourself about the GLB community and culture.
• Contacting local and national GLB organizations for information.

• Using inclusive language all the time.
• Not assuming everyone is straight­
• Speaking out and confronting homophobia-raise awareness in others.
• Making a difference!

• Has worked to develop an understanding of Homosexuality and the needs of gays and lesbians.
• Chooses to align with lesbians, gays, and bisexuals and responds to their needs
• Believes that it is in her/his self-interest to be an ally.
• Is committed to the personal growth (in spite of the probability of discomfort and possible pain) required.
• Is quick to take pride in personal success in responding to homophobia and overcoming fears.
• Expects support from other allies.
• Is able to acknowledge and articulate how patterns of fear have operated in his/her lives,
• Expects to make some mistakes but does not use it as an excuse for non-action.
• Knows that both sides of an ally relationship have a clear responsibility for their own response to the oppression whether or not persons on the other side choose to respond.
• Knows that in the most empowered ally relationships, the persons-in the non-oppressed role initiate the change toward personal, institutional, and societal justice and equality.
• Knows that he/she is responsible for humanizing or empowering their role in society, particularly as their role relates to responding to homophobia.
• Promotes a sense of community with lesbians, gays, and bisexual people and teaches others about the importance of outreach.
• Has a good sense of humor.

• Have a good understanding of sexual orientation and be comfortable with your own.
• Be aware of the coming-out process and realize that it is not a one-time event. The coming-out process is unique to gay, lesbian and bisexual people and brings challenges that are not often understood.
• Understand that gay, lesbian and bisexual people receive the same message about homosexuality and bisexuality as everyone else. Thus gay, lesbian and bisexual people suffer from internalized homophobia and heterosexism. It is important to recognize the risks of coming out and to challenge the internal oppression.
• Remember that gay, lesbian and bisexual people are a diverse group. Each community within the larger gay, lesbian and bisexual community has unique needs and goals.
• Know at least basic information about AIDS/HIV in order to address myths and misinformation and to be supportive of those affected by this disease whether in themselves or in partners and friends. While AIDS/HIV is a health issue for all, those who live with the most fear and have lost the most members of their community are gay, lesbian and bisexual persons.

•  Awareness: Explore how you are different from and similar to gay, lesbian and bisexual people. Gain this awareness through talking with gay, lesbian and bisexual people, attending workshops and self-examination.
• Knowledge/Education: Begin to understand policies, laws and practices and how they affect gay, lesbian and bisexual people. Educate yourself on the many communities and cultures of gay, lesbian and bisexual people.
• Skills: This is an area which is difficult for many people. You must learn to take your awareness and knowledge and communicate it to others. You can acquire these skills by attending workshops, role-playing with friends or peers, and developing support connections.
• Action: This is the most important and frightening step. Despite the fear, action is the only way to effect change in the society as a whole.
  

UD allies...

• are committed to ending oppression and homophobia
• provide support for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people within the UD community.
• are safe persons to talk when someone needs help or comfort.
• incorporate principles of inclusion into the work environment.
• include topics relating to LGBTA support into their curriculum whenever appropriate.