It's Pride Month, and you might be wondering... how can I be the best possible ally?!
Well, you're in the right place!
Pride Month is all about love, community, and celebration, and whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or you’re standing proudly beside those who do, being an ally means showing up, speaking up, and making space for everyone to be themselves.
If you’re wondering how to be a better ally this Pride Month (and beyond!), here are a few ways to start:
1. March with us at Manchester Pride!
We’re buzzing to be part of this year’s Manchester Pride Parade again... and we want you there with us!
Whether you're LGBTQ+ or a proud supporter, this is your chance to join the Salford SU crew, strut your stuff, and soak up the epic vibes of one of the UK’s biggest and boldest Pride events.
Expect a full-on celebration of love, equality and community. There’ll be colour, music, dancing, and loads of good energy. So grab your mates, pull out your best rainbow fit, and come make some joyful noise with us. You in? 💖🌈
Head to our website to grab some ✨tickets✨ before they're all gone!
2. Know what Bystander Awareness means
Being an ally isn’t just about celebration, though! It’s also about taking action!
Bystander Awareness is all about recognising when something’s not right (like discrimination, bullying, or harassment), and feeling confident enough to step in safely or seek support.
Even small actions, like checking in with someone, reporting an incident, or just showing someone they’re not alone, can have a big impact. It’s about having each other’s backs and treating everyone fairly and with kindness. 💪
3. Use inclusive language
The words we use matter. Making an effort to use someone’s correct pronouns, avoiding assumptions about gender or relationships, and learning inclusive terms shows respect, and it goes a long way in helping people feel safe and welcome.
Not sure? It’s totally okay to ask (kindly) or just do a little research.
4. Celebrate all year round
Pride Month is amazing, but allyship shouldn’t stop once the glitter settles!
Keep showing up, keep speaking out, and keep supporting LGBTQ+ friends, creators, and causes throughout the year.
Pride is a cause, and it doesn’t have to end in summer! ☀️
5. Listen, learn, support
Being an ally is an ongoing journey. Read up, ask respectful questions, and most of all... listen to LGBTQ+ voices! Support queer creators, uplift student voices, and speak up when it counts. It’s not about being perfect, but just showing up with an open mind and a kind heart.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate, but it’s also a reminder of the power of community, allyship, and standing together. At the end of the day, Pride is a protest, and at Salford SU, we’re all about creating a space where everyone feels seen, safe, and celebrated.
So let’s march, learn, and celebrate together! 💛