Creating an Open & Supportive Environment for LGBTQIA+ Ensemble Members to Thrive
OUT LOUD is dedicated to establishing and embodying a culture of communication, empathy, and care rooted in Awareness, Connection, & Trust. This is not possible without creating an open and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ Ensemble Members to thrive. This includes, but is not limited to Combating Homophobia, Biphobia, & Transphobia in all of its forms and holding all of our Allies of the LGBTQIA+ Community to account. Below are some resources we have engaged with on this ongoing journey towards not only inclusivity, but active community care.
Education:
What is Homophobia, Biphobia, & Transphobia?
Planned Parenthood
"The homophobia definition is the fear, hatred, discomfort with, or mistrust of people who are lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Biphobia is fear, hatred, discomfort, or mistrust, specifically of people who are bisexual. Similarly, transphobia is fear, hatred, discomfort with, or mistrust of people who are transgender, genderqueer, or don’t follow traditional gender norms."
Pronouns & Inclusive Language
LGBTQIA Resource Center
"Below is a brief overview of pronouns and inclusive language."
GLAAD | Tips for Allies of Transgender People
"The following are tips that can be used as you move toward becoming a better ally to transgender people. Of course, this list is not exhaustive and cannot include all the “right” things to do or say because often there is no one “right” answer to every situation you might encounter.
When you become an ally of transgender people, your actions will help change the culture, making society a better, safer place for transgender people and for all people (trans or not) who do not conform to conventional gender expectations."
When you become an ally of transgender people, your actions will help change the culture, making society a better, safer place for transgender people and for all people (trans or not) who do not conform to conventional gender expectations."
Approaching Intersectional Conversations
The Trevor Project
"Many BIPOC LGBTQ+ young people are still facing difficult conversations with people who may be uninformed about race, queer identities, or the intersection of both. Intersectional conversations can take a variety of forms. Some are engaging their White friends for the first time about how being BIPOC impacts their experience in LGBTQ+ spaces, and others are opening up about the nuances of their queer experiences in BIPOC spaces. For people who hold multiple marginalized identities, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to explore the layers of these conversations with others — especially those whose lived experiences are different."