As a cisgender, heterosexual female I can never really speak for the LGBTQ+ community... nor do I dare speak of my experiences when they don’t encompass the realities of those who are discriminated against for loving who they love, being who they are, identifying with what they feel most comfortable with. Today, the G-You starts a week’s series of articles in honor of the LGBTQ+ history month and its community. We hope to share relevant and educative information with these series, and some light-hearted articles too.

What I have been doing these past years is learning how to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. The meaning of being an ally will differ in the sense that there is no specific recipe for it when people are different: they take information in different ways and react to them in different ways. However, there are specific points that are a must. Taking on from G-You’s February LOVE 2020 issue, I think it is important to remind everyone of some chief points:

1. Don’t assume and be open to dialogue. Everyone is different and you have to understand that (NEWSFLASH!😂) not everyone is straight. Everyone is on their own journey of finding their identity and that should be respected. If the person in question is willing to talk about it, then talk about it in a curious manner, never in a judgemental one. That way you are being supportive and you are learning for future encounters. 

2. Pronouns and other inclusive language. General rule is to use terms such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans or LGBTQ+. Some people use queer, others may find that offensive for its historic background. When you’re unsure, ASK! It is better to show that you are trying to learn than to assume one’s preference. In terms of pronouns, when you first meet someone, check with them what they feel most comfortable in being identified as. And when you first meet someone, you can give the first step in saying what pronouns you use for yourself - it “breaks the ice” and opens the conversation. If none of this happens, resort to they/them pronouns.

3. Everyone is equal!! This is a very self-explanatory point - no matter sexual orientation or gender identity, everyone should be treated with the dignity and respect a human deserves. 

Above all is having a clear channel of communication so that there are no miscommunications and everyone feels included☺️  

Nonetheless, my point with this introductory article to the series is that I think it’s quite symbolic that LGBTQ+ history month is celebrated in the same month as Valentines. It’s a matter of love in my opinion - self-love, love for others... LOVE. Loving yourself is understanding what you identify with, what/who makes you happy and in turn opens your heart to loving others. So for this Feb celebrate pride! Pride for who you are, pride for the love you are surrounded by.

In celebration of this, I suggest to you some ideas for LGBTQ+ inclusive valentines cards! Time to share the love💛💚💙💜:

• Etsy! I think this is always a good place to look when you want something a bit more personalised. They have some funny options and some heartfelt ones too <3

• Moonpig :) These are cute too, think my favourite one read this: “I love it that you can be you, I can be me, & together we’re happy as can be.” <3

• Funky Pigeon: Found some funny ones here, “Let’s get one thing straight, I love that you’re not.”  and found a super cute one that read “PROUD you’re mine”.

• And of course, Scribbler: My favourite one read: “roses are red, violets are blue, a rainbow shows, my pride for you”.
  

These are some of my favourites until now! I hopefully gave you some ideas for what you can get your S.O! If you don’t have the bling (or the artistry), use these ideas to make your own at home, intention is what counts y’all😘

Lots of love💞💞💞💞