resources for allies
Allyship is when someone from a dominant group recognizes their privilege and moves toward supporting a marginalized group. It can be challenging to know what to say or do and when. Sometimes, the impact we have on others aligns with our intentions, and sometimes it doesn’t. The resources below are a starting point of learning and growing. While you’ll find links on how to be an ally for a variety of people, it’s important to note that marginalized groups aren’t monoliths. They’re made up of individuals with their own thoughts, emotions, and opinions. Respecting each person as they wish to be respected is ultimately at the heart of being an ally.
microaggressions
Racial Microaggressions Increase Symptoms of Traumatic Stress
article on Mad in America by José Giovanni Luiggi-Hernández, PhD
The Effects of Microaggressions on One’s Health
article on Morning Sign Out at UCI written by Elizabeth Montoya and edited by Alexander Alva
Research: The Real-Time Impact of Microaggressions
article on Harvard Business Review by Malissa Alinor
Why some people use she/they & he/they pronouns
article on LGBTQ Nation
calling in and calling out
Calling In and Calling Out Guide
Harvard Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Calling In Versus Calling Out: What’s the Difference?
article on LGBTQ and All by Billie Olsen
Calling IN: A Less Disposable Way of Holding Each Other Accountable
article on BGD (Black Girl Dangerous) by Ngọc Loan Trần
Don’t Get Defensive: 6 Ways To Respond To Being Called Out Despite Your Good Intentions
article on the body is not an apology by Gillian Brown
6 Signs Your Call-Out Isn’t Actually About Accountability
article on Everyday Feminism by Maisha Z. Johnson
LGBTQIA+ specific resources
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning (one’s own sexual or gender identity), Intersex, Asexual/Asexual/Agender. The + symbol refers to all other more specific identities under this umbrella. As much as we love and need allies in our journey toward
How to They/Them: A Visual Guide to Nonbinary Pronouns and the World of Gender Fluidity
book by Stuart Getty with illustrations by Brooke Thyng
The Queen’s English: The LGBTQIA+ Dictionary of Lingo and Colloquial Phrases
book includes history, identity, and pride by Chloe O. Davis
The Gender Creative Child: Pathways for Nurturing and Supporting Children who Live Outside Gender Boxes
book by Diane Ehrensaft
Disclosure
a Netflix documentary by Laverne Cox (executive producer) and Sam Feder (director)
Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution
a Netflix documentary by Page Hurwitz (writer and director)
I’m always reading and will sometimes have a moment to add a resource here. If you’re looking for a subject, feel free to email Kate@thrivingtree.com. I may have a resource readily available to share!