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Got pet peeves about LGBTQ+ folks? Join the club! Think you don’t? Think again. So you hate things about LGBTQ+ people – Now What? How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally. There are things you hate regarding the loved ones in your life, right? How about within your social circle? Do any of your besties have habits that drive you nuts? Me, too – and that’s okay! We’ve all got quirks we can’t stand – even your BFF has that annoying habit of leaving their socks everywhere. Free yourself and just admit it!

This is my introductory post to a new series of “Dear Allie” letters, which are written to Allie the Ally Cat, who is a mascot for my newly named Etsy shop, Ally Cat Pride, which focuses on subtle pride products, rainbow-themed items, and Allie Cat Letters for LGBTQ+ life events and more! Allie Cat’s goal is to teach you how to be an LGBTQ+ ally!

I’m really excited about this new pivot in direction for my shop. I was already making pride products, but now that I have 3 LGBTQ+ children (all very much adults) – I saw a need for the LGBTQ+ community and was in a place to try to help. So now we start with the first Dear Allie letter and our first step about how to be an LGBTQ+ ally.

Dear Allie the Ally Cat

Dear Allie Cat,

My name is Curious and my pronouns are fur/furself. I hope this message finds you basking in the warmth of your whiskers! I’ve been doing some soul-searching lately and stumbled upon a revelation. While I proudly declare my support for LGBTQ+ people, I realized there might be a discrepancy between my words and my inner feelings. It’s like there’s a misalignment, and I’m not sure how to bridge the gap. Am I a bad person? What should I do about it?

Looking forward to your wise and whimsical insights!

Best, Curious Cat 🐾✨

Dear Curious Cat,

Congratulations on your soul-searching adventure! My pronouns are purr/purrself. First of all, you are NOT a bad person – just the opposite! The fact that you recognize that your thoughts and actions differ is deserving of a medal! A lot of people choose to ignore the crappy cat inside themselves and let it sit in a box in the back of their head. You’ve got this.

Let’s do a little self-reflection, shall we? Saying you’re all rainbows and unicorns about LGBTQ+ matters – is it for real, or just because it’s the trendy thing to say? Maybe you’re keeping it hush-hush or fearing your own feelings on the matter?

Whatever your vibe, it’s cool. What matters is what you do next. Embrace the quirks, laugh at the craziness, and remember, we’re all a little fabulous in our own way! 🌈 #AcceptanceMatters

Navigating the rainbow road to LGBTQ+ acceptance can be as tricky as finding your cat’s favorite hiding spot. If you’ve grown up with more stereotypes than a sitcom marathon, fear not – you’re not alone.

How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally: Understanding LGBTQ+ Identities

Now that you have admitted that there is a problem, you need to correct that problem. Yes, it takes a little bit of work on your part, but it is totally worth it. You’ll be back to basking in rays of sunlight in no time.

Understanding LGBTQ+ Identity and Experiences to help you be an ally

Unlocking the Mysteries of LGBTQ+ Life – Let’s face it – not everyone’s got the 411 on the vibrant LGBTQ+ community and their incredible journeys. Ignorance breeds bias, and stereotypes just love to crash the party, making it hard to throw down the welcome scratching mat.

Dive into the rainbow of LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, my friends! It’s the secret tuna sauce for whipping up a culture of inclusivity and chasing stereotypes out like a mouse. Remember, gender and sexuality aren’t just binary categories and norms – they’re more like a wild mouse hunt with twists, turns, and trees to climb. Now, let’s talk about complexity.

How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally: The Complexity of LGBTQ+ Identities

We’re not just talking about your usual suspects – lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender folks, queer souls, and intersex wonders make up this fantastic crew of cats. And guess what? Each subgroup (there are even furries!) brings its flair to the table, with unique experiences and outlooks.

Hold onto your collars, because we’re diving into the deep end of inclusivity! It’s time to grasp the concept of intersectionality – recognizing that our humans may face discrimination on multiple fronts, from race and religion to ability and social status. To make the world a more fabulous place, we need to pounce on those stereotypes until they are dead!

Buckle up for an uncomfortable but necessary adventure – challenging biases is the key to unlocking the door of LGBTQ+ acceptance. It’s time to do some soul-searching, kick those prejudices to the curb, and open our hearts to the incredible stories that surround us. Let’s flip the script and make inclusivity the headline act of “Ally Cats – The Musical!”🌈 #Loveiseverywhere

How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally: The Advocacy for Inclusivity

If we want to turn our spaces into welcoming havens for everyone, we’ve got to throw stereotypes out the window – they’re so last season’s flea collar.

Getting down to the sharp end of the claw, challenging and breaking stereotypes isn’t just a cool thing to do; it’s a crucial step in the dance of fostering inclusivity. Yeah, it might feel like trying to chase a laser light but trust me, it’s worth it.

Here’s the lowdown: Identifying and giving those biases a reality check can be a tad uncomfortable. Picture it as cleaning out your closet – you’ve got to face those skeletons. It’s about looking in the mirror, questioning your own beliefs, and being open to a crash course in understanding the experiences of others.

You are only facing skeletons – it’s nothing compared to living in a closet and coming out! Can you imagine how hard that has to be? Imagine a cat who thinks they are a dog and then suddenly gets a look at themselves in the mirror one day. Their insides don’t match their outsides and they are confused. It is called gender dysphoria.

So, tighten your shoelaces (or velcro – no judgment here!). We’re stepping into the realm of discomfort for the sake of LGBTQ+ acceptance. Let’s break down those barriers and allow acceptance to take center stage in our musical.

“In order to foster inclusivity, we need to recognize that everyone’s experiences are valid and that our differences should be celebrated.”

– LGBTQ+ Activist, Laverne Cox

How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally: The Importance of LGBTQ+ Understanding

Embarking on the LGBTQ+ knowledge train is a lifelong journey, my friends! It’s not a one-stop shop; it’s an ongoing adventure fueled by access to the right resources and a dash of education magic. Let’s make learning about LGBTQ+ identity and experiences as common as binge-watching cat videos – a daily dose of enlightenment.

Now, creating safe havens and platforms where our LGBTQ+ pals can spill the catnip on their experiences is non-negotiable. We need spaces where they feel like the stars of the show, heard, and wrapped in a cozy blanket of support (besides in The Ally Cats Musical…).

But hey, let’s not underestimate the power of small acts – they’re like LGBTQ+ kindness catnip! Using the correct pronouns and acknowledging preferred names might seem like tiny gestures, but they’re like a superhero cape in the world of support and respect. It’s the little things that make the rainbow shine brighter. Come on, Ally Cats, you got this! 👩🏻‍🎤

How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally: Breaking Stereotypes for Genuine Understanding

Let’s spill the milk on stereotypes – those oversimplified notions that cramp the fabulous style of our LGBTQ+ crew. They’re like fashion trends that need to be retired – harmful, limiting, and just not cutting it.

Here’s the scoop: Stereotypes create a fog of inaccuracies about the incredible experiences and identities within the LGBTQ+ community. It’s like trying to describe a masterpiece with stick-figure doodles – not doing justice to the real deal. How do you like it when someone calls you a lazy cat or even worse – a fat cat? It’s hurtful, isn’t it? I’m not fat…my metabolism just likes to lie in the sun too much!

Now, the ultimate game-changer? Ditch the stereotypes and dive into real conversations. The best way to break these bad boys is by getting to know the awesome individuals rocking the LGBTQ+ label. It’s all about building genuine understanding and respect – like swapping your favorite plushies with your besties but on a much deeper level. Let’s throw those stereotypes out like throwing the cat out with the bathwater and make room for authentic connections.

Stereotype	Fact
All LGBTQ+ individuals are promiscuous and have multiple partners.	Just like our heterosexual counterparts, not every LGBTQ+ individual is out there juggling multiple relationships like some Tomcat! We’re rewriting the dating rules, one genuine connection at a time! Some of us are all about that committed, monogamous love story like O’Malley the Alley Cat!
Transgender people are confused and require treatment.	Identifying as transgender is absolutely valid. Those rocking the transgender label deserve a standing ovation of respect and acceptance, not a spotlight of fixation or a misguided quest for a cure. Let’s celebrate individuality and ditch the outdated notions – acceptance is the real MVP!
Bisexuals are indecisive and confused.	Bisexuality is a legit sexual orientation, a badge of identity proudly worn by those who groove to attractions across more than one gender. It’s not a fleeting phase or some confusing puzzle to unravel. Bisexuality is the real deal, and it’s time to embrace the diversity of love and attraction without any doubts.

Breaking stereotypes and promoting inclusivity requires a continued effort to learn, unlearn, and relearn about LGBTQ+ identities and experiences. It is a journey that requires empathy, open-mindedness, and a willingness to challenge and break biases. Think of it as The Incredible Journey on the LGBTQ+ Highway!

How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally: The Importance of Allyship and LGBTQ+ Support

Allyship awareness and LGBTQ+ support are crucial in promoting diversity and creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Time to Be the Change: Your active advocacy is like superhero-level work for the LGBTQ+ community. By standing up, speaking out, and waving the flag of acceptance, you’re on the front lines eradicating those pesky prejudices. Let’s pave the way for a world where acceptance and inclusivity are the norm – your efforts are pawsitively game-changers! 🌈 #ChangeTheWorld #InclusivityHero

Benefits of Allyship and LGBTQ+ Support	Actions You Can Take
Promoting diversity: When you support LGBTQ+ individuals, you’re not just cheering; you’re throwing a full-blown 3 am zoomies party for their unique identities and experiences.	Ally Up: Transform into an LGBTQ+ ally by diving deep into the sea of tuna, I mean, knowledge about LGBTQ+ issues. It’s like getting a PhD in compassion. Then, roll out the welcome mat like a VIP lounge – create a safe space that’s warmer than a cat nap by the heating vent.
Creating safe spaces: LGBTQ+ individuals often face discrimination and harassment in their daily lives. By creating safe spaces, you are providing a reprieve from negative experiences and fostering a sense of belonging. Everyone needs a cardboard box with their name on it.	Attend LGBTQ+ events: Show your support by attending LGBTQ+ events such as Pride parades or rallies. This demonstrates allyship and exposes you to the community, allowing for greater understanding and education. Roar loud and proud!
Empowering individuals: Allies have the power to lift up individuals who have been marginalized and excluded. By empowering LGBTQ+ individuals, you are creating advocates for change and acceptance within the community.	Speak up: Speak out and meow loudly against injustice and discrimination. Support LGBTQ+ individuals in your life, and use your platform to amplify their voices and experiences. Meow like you haven’t been fed in 5 minutes – LOUDLY.

By promoting allyship awareness and LGBTQ+ support, we can create a society that celebrates diversity and empowers individuals to be their authentic selves. Take action today and become an ally for change! A gathering of Ally Cats is a Pride and a pride of cats is louder than a single mew. #Allyship

How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally: Acknowledging Personal Bias and Overcoming Prejudice

Biases, Begone! Our personal biases can totally tint the way we see and purr with the LGBTQ+ community. Time for a reality check – remember that recognizing these biases is step one in the grand scheme of overcoming them. Don’t let inner pride stop you from your purr-sonal improvement!

Channel your inner superhero ( I like Catwoman) and dive into some introspection. Let’s claw the eyes out of out those hidden prejudices and bunny-feet them to the curb. It’s like cleaning out the litter box in your mind – make room for understanding, acceptance, and a whole lot of love!

Acknowledging and challenging internal biases requires commitment and conscious effort. Strategies to help:

Strategy	Description
Education and Self-Evaluation	Delving into LGBTQ+ history, issues, and experiences is like unlocking a treasure trove of treats and understanding. It’s the ultimate mind-expansion journey that challenges preconceived notions like a boss cat. But hold up, there’s more: Self-reflection and evaluation are your trusty sidekicks in this adventure!
Active Listening and Open Communication	Listening and learning from LGBTQ+ individuals’ experiences and perspectives can help to foster empathy and understanding. Open communication can help to bridge gaps and challenge problematic beliefs.
Diversify Media Consumption	Consuming media that features LGBTQ+ people can help to break stereotypes and challenge biases. Supporting LGBTQ+ creators and media can also help to promote diversity and inclusion.

Developing sensitivity towards the experiences and needs of the LGBTQ+ community is essential for promoting inclusivity and eradicating prejudice. Here are some tips to help:

• Pronouns Matter: Respect is the name of the game – use the right pronouns and honor everyone’s gender identity like the rockstars they are.
• Zip Those Lips: When it comes to someone’s sexual orientation, avoid turning into a detective. Let’s keep it classy and skip the invasive questions. Curiosity will kill the cat.
• Celebrate Diversity: Just like a pride parade, life is more vibrant with diversity. Celebrate the uniqueness of each individual, and let your allyship be a cat cave for everyone’s authentic selves.
• Lived and Validated: Acknowledge and validate the real talk of LGBTQ+ individuals – their purr-sonal experiences are like golden nuggets of wisdom.
• Raise Your Voice: Don’t be a bystander. If you spot discriminatory behavior or hear language that’s just not groovy, speak up. Let’s create a world where everyone’s voice is heard, loud and clear! Don’t be a pussycat! Arch your back, hiss, spit, and be heard!
• Amplify LGBTQ+ Voices: Pass the mic! Amplify the voices of the LGBTQ+ community. Share their stories, artwork, and achievements. Let the world hear the symphony of diverse voices.
• Create Inclusive Spaces: Be the architect of inclusivity. Whether it’s at work, school, or your favorite cat club, advocate for spaces that welcome everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s like crafting safe havens, one welcoming space at a time. 🌈

Recognize them, overcome them – it’s a journey of growth that’ll have you leveling up in empathy and breaking down those mental barriers. Ready for this cat-astic quest? Let’s embark on the ultimate exploration of knowledge and self-discovery!

Building a Tolerant Society: Education and Awareness

Education and awareness are crucial in the fight for LGBTQ+ acceptance. By providing inclusive education, creating LGBTQ+ safe spaces, and celebrating diversity, we can promote an environment of respect and inclusivity for all.

How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally: LGBTQ+ Education

Let’s Unleash the Power of Edu-cat-ion: Crafting a tolerant society is like building a masterpiece, and education is the brush that paints the canvas. When it comes to LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, accuracy and inclusivity are the secret ingredients. Here’s the playbook for making it happen:

1. Curriculum Overhaul: Infuse LGBTQ+ history, stories, and perspectives into the curriculum. It’s time for education to reflect the kaleidoscope of all cat (and human) experiences.
2. Teacher Training: Arm our educators with the knowledge and tools to foster LGBTQ+ inclusivity. When teacher cats shine, so do their kittens.
3. Guest Speakers and Workshops: Bring in the experts – the queer cats! Let LGBTQ+ voices be heard through guest speakers and interactive workshops. It’s like adding a dash of real-world wisdom to the lesson plan.
4. Safe Spaces: Design classrooms and schools as safe havens for all. Inclusivity should be woven into the very fabric of educational environments.

How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally: Creating LGBTQ+ Safe Spaces

Building Fortresses of Acceptance: Creating safe spaces is like constructing princess cat castles of love and understanding. Let’s turn those spaces into sanctuaries where LGBTQ+ individuals can kick off their shoes and be authentically themselves. Here’s the paw print for crafting these safe havens:

• Visible Support: Hoist the rainbow flag high! Climb the curtains and let everyone know that your space is a haven for acceptance. Visible symbols speak volumes. Encourage businesses and public spaces to display LGBTQ+ symbols and flags
• LGBTQ+ Community Centers: Where queer cats can access resources, support, and social events.
• Zero Tolerance for Discrimination: Draw the line in the litter box – discrimination is not welcome here. Enforce policies that make it clear: everyone deserves respect.
• Educational Initiatives: Knowledge is power. Offer LGBTQ+ sensitivity training at hospitals and community centers through workshops, seminars, and discussions, cat chats, & ‘Dear Allie’ letters to educate the community on LGBTQ+ issues. Understanding breeds acceptance and smarty cats!
• Inclusive Policies: From bathroom signs to event protocols, ensure your policies reflect inclusivity. It’s like laying down the rules for a cat chase where everyone wins.

Let’s transform spaces into cozy cat beds where acceptance is the norm and discrimination is the odd cat out. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels the warm embrace of inclusivity (and human hugs).

Safe spaces for LGBTQ+ People of all sizes & Colors

Having LGBTQ+ queer cats of my own, I saw that there was more need for safe spaces and subtle pride wear so people could express their colors without having to come out to family, if that isn’t possible. When my oldest daughter told me she was trans, my only question was: “Are you happy?” – because that is really all that matters to me.

Due to the need for the above, My human pivoted her Etsy shop from an emporium for all to focus on subtle pride products, pride products, ‘Dear Allie’ letters and mental health.

She is also pivoting this blog from mental health & special needs to LGBTQ+ & ally mental health – along with how to be LGBTQ+ friendly in your purr-sonal and purr-fessional life. I want to help her to teach other small businesses how to be an Ally Cat – without insulting all of the other cats along the way.

There is a lot of hate aimed at the LGBTQ+ community and I decided to counter some of that by helping through humor-infused ‘Dear Allie’ letters like this one. There will also be Letters from me -Allie Cat – to LGBTQ+ cats & humans to mark a life event, like a name change for a transgender person, etc. I’m super excited about these!

How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally: Promoting Diversity

Let the Celebration Begin: Let’s make our world a kaleidoscope of cat-ceptance where everyone’s uniqueness is not just recognized but celebrated. Here’s the grand plan for creating this inclusive cat-topia:

• Events and Festivals: Throw catnip, & silly string, organize parades and host events that showcase the beauty of being a diversity kitty. Let’s turn every day into a celebration of the rich tapestry curtains of cat & human experiences.
• Representation Matters: From boardrooms to shelters, to the big screen, ensure diverse voices are heard and seen. Representation isn’t just an ‘X’ where you pee to say you were there – it’s the heartbeat of true inclusivity. Keep marking your spot and other cats follow your lead! Advocate for policy and legislation that supports LGBTQ+ rights and promotes social justice and equity. Spread your diverse scent everywhere!
• Cultural Exchange: Share stories, traditions, and experiences from different catwalks of life. It’s like a dumpster dive of cultures, creating a feast where everyone brings something unique to the table.
• Equality in Opportunities: Level the playing field. Ensure that opportunities are not influenced by gender identity or sexual orientation. It’s time to make sure everyone has a paw at success.
• Highlighting Everyone: We need more representation of LGBTQ+ cats from every corner to address issues in media and cat-entertainment – it has gotten much better – but we can still improve!

Let’s build a pride (group of cats) where diversity isn’t just acknowledged; it’s revered. An inclusive world where everybody, regardless of who they are or whom they love, feels valued and respected. It’s not just a dreamy cat nap; it’s the all-star zoomies party we’re all invited to.

Becoming an LGBTQ+ Ally: Actions and Engagement

To become a true ally cat to the LGBTQ+ pride of people, it’s important to take pawsitive action towards supporting and uplifting them. A great way to start is by educating yourself and seeking out LGBTQ+ resources and organizations for guidance.

Don’t know where to start? I’ll give you some sites, but I’d be purr-illed if you’d follow me & my human:

• Ally Cat Pride: My Etsy shop for Subtle Pride Products
• Ally Cat Pride Facebook Page Get up-to-date information on what I am up to!
• Ally Cat Crew Facebook Group: A safe space for LGBTQ+ people and allies to talk about whatever.
• Ally Cat Pride TikTok A new adventure for me, but it should be entertaining, right?

I would really appreciate your support, as I am a small business. I have to keep an eye on those other ally cats – Kia Maria & Pikachu Lou – too, because they will post and get there paws on everything if I am not watching closely!

How to be an LGBTQ+ Ally: 6 accounts to follow on Instagram

Are you looking to learn some awesome stuff and follow some pretty incredible people, but have no idea who you should follow? Here is a list of 6 Instagram accounts to follow to start you off in the best way possible:

@DontCrossAGayMan

Michael Brown is my absolute FAVORITE person to follow! His quick, hilarious life lessons videos are brain candy! I can’t get enough of him being his fabulous, flaming self!

View on Instagram

Blair Imani:

Her microlearning series, “Smarter in Seconds,” on Instagram reels presents complex political, social, and economic issues in a simple, less-than-a-minute video format. 

View on Instagram

Schuyler Bailar

Schuyler Bailar (he/him), popularly known as @pinkmantaray is a trans man, activist, and educator. His infographics break down LGBTQ+ issues in an easily understandable manner.

View on Instagram

Jenna

Jenna (she/they) is a bisexuality advocate and illustrator known on Instagram as @j.teacake. Their illustrations are focused on countering bi-erasure and bi-phobia, and are dedicated to bisexual-plus positivity.

View on Instagram

Az Franco

Az Franco (he/him) is a transmasculine, genderqueer writer, educator, artist, and model. You can find him @youcancallmeaz.

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Brianna Viera

Brianna Vieira (they/she) is a graphic designer whose graphics are focused on breaking the stigma on various topics including LGBTQ+ issues, sobriety, and mental health issues.

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Ally Cat Pride: Quirky cats, humor, quotes, & pride products! (@allycatpride) • Instagram photos and videos