PRIDE: The Role of Allies in the fight against homophobia

This month, in celebration of PRIDE, we are giving space to LGBT+ voices from across the BIAZA membership. The PRIDE blogs will provide a snapshot of the experiences of LGBT+ people working in the zoo sector and highlight diversity across the animal kingdom too.

In developing experience in Youth & Community Work, I asked if I could intern with a local LGBT+ youth group. On my interview, the interviewer said I was very heteronormative, and did not think I would be a good fit for the group, BUT - I wrote one sentence in my bio that allowed the interview to give me an opportunity.

I had worked in orphanages in various countries, and I mentioned that regardless of the abuse perpetrated by males, we are not all the same and we can rebuild trust.

I was the first person in the area to work with this youth group who did not come from the LGBT+ community, and honestly this experience changed my life.

I have to say the sentence I am not homophobic…….but, in my mind I did think being LGBT+ was a choice. But as I had committed to work with the group, I left my prejudice, bias at the door.

After two months working with young LGBT+, I began to reprogramme the bias and prejudice, and start to become an ally. I must say, being hetero in the group was very eye opening, as we did not have to identify my orientation to the group, but they thought it was great to have an ‘out’ male finally working with the LGBT+ group.

I was eventually ‘outed’ as hetero when I was asked to give a talk about being a male LGBT+ worker, and what homophobia did I experience growing up?

I informed the project I could not do it as I was heterosexual, and while my identity was revealed, some in the group loved it and some were suspicious, but after three years working with the group, they began to see that there are allies out there, they just need to add their voice more, and speak up against homophobia.

As I had to do lots of research, write reports, learn about homophobia, I began to understand my role much better, but I could never really experience homophobia…until.

I will never forget the day I was walking down the road, and all of a sudden someone passed by me and shouted "F**"……right in my face. This was at 2pm, in the day, I was minding my own business……it did not register for a few seconds. But can you imagine the audacity for another person to swear at another in such a vile way & not face any consequences?

I imagined our very brave young people, who face that abuse every day. Some cannot cope and die by suicide, some self-harm - this is wrong!!

My role in the group was outreach, so I would have done some information videos on the group and represented the group at events. I also delivered roadshows all over the country, so obviously this person was watching the information events, but could not hold back against their own internalized struggles and hit out. 

We really need to stand up against homophobia, and be proud to be an ally.

I really applaud BIAZA for taking a stand and allowing all LGBT+ and Allies talk about our lived experiences. I hope this story enables more allies to stand up against homophobia.

Written anonymously to protect our youth group. 

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not a reflection of BIAZA's positions.