Ideal Qualities of an Ally
An Ally:

• Has worked to develop an understanding of LGBT people and their needs.

• 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.

• Is able to acknowledge and articulate how patterns of fear have operated in his/her lives.

• Expects support from other allies.

• 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.

Source: Condensed from N.J. Evans & V. Wall, 1991.