How to Be a Mental Health Ally to the LGBTQIA+ Community

Practical Steps Everyone Can Take

No matter your role in someone’s life, you can take steps toward being a better ally:

Normalize mental health care. Therapy is for everyone, including allies who want to process biases, build empathy, or support someone close to them.

Support local LGBTQIA+ centers. Volunteer, donate, or partner with local LGBTQIA+ organizations, especially those serving youth and BIPOC communities.

Vote for equity. Advocate for policies that protect LGBTQIA+ rights, such as anti-discrimination laws, trans healthcare protections, and inclusive education policies.

Stay humble and keep learning. Allyship is not a destination. It’s a daily practice. Mistakes will happen, what matters is how you learn and grow.

Tips for Friends

Friendships are a lifeline for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Here’s how to show up:

Listen Without Judgment – Let your friend define their identity and experience in their own words. Avoid interrupting or jumping to conclusions.

Respect Names and Pronouns – Using someone’s correct name and pronouns is one of the simplest, most powerful forms of affirmation. Practice them even when the person you’re referring to is not present, and gently correct others if needed.

Be Curious, But Not Intrusive – It’s okay to have questions but be sensitive. Ask if they’re open to talking and prioritize their comfort. Don’t ask about surgeries or bodies unless they invite you into that conversation.

Support During Hard Times – If your friend is experiencing rejection, depression, or anxiety, encourage them to talk with a mental health professional. At Josselyn, our trained therapists offer affirming care tailored to individual identities and experiences.

Tips for Families

Family support is one of the strongest protective factors for LGBTQIA+ youth mental health. Families have the power to heal—or harm. Here’s how to help:

Accept, Even if You Don’t Understand – You don’t have to fully understand a loved one’s identity to support them. Lead with love and curiosity. Statements like, “Help me understand what this means to you,” can be more affirming than silence or skepticism.

Educate Yourself – Don’t rely on your LGBTQIA+ loved one to teach you everything. Seek out books, support groups, and credible resources like PFLAG or The Trevor Project. Learning is love in action.

Protect Their Privacy – Do not “out” your family member without consent. Sharing someone’s identity, intentionally or not, can put them at risk for bullying, homelessness, or worse.

Celebrate Their Identity – Attend Pride events together. Celebrate milestones like name changes. Acknowledging their journey reinforces their sense of worth.

Get Professional Help if Needed – If you or your loved one are struggling, it’s okay to get support. Josselyn offers therapy for individuals and families, and we work hard to ensure culturally competent, LGBTQIA+ affirming care.

Tips for Coworkers & Employers

Workplaces that embrace LGBTQIA+ inclusion have happier, more productive employees. Here’s how to be a workplace ally:

Use Inclusive Language – Avoid gendered assumptions—like asking women about their husbands. Use “partner” or “spouse” instead. If your coworker comes out to you, honor their trust by respecting confidentiality. Speak up when you see or hear a teammate using the incorrect name or pronouns for a coworker or client.

Update Systems and Resources – Advocate for inclusive HR practices like allowing employees to update names and pronouns in systems and adding gender-neutral bathrooms. These small changes can have a big impact on mental health and dignity. Advocate for inclusive HR practices like allowing employees to update names and pronouns in systems. Add gender-neutral bathrooms. Create and encourage participation in LGBTQIA+ Employee Resource Groups.

Speak Up Against Discrimination – Silence enables harm. If you witness a microaggression or derogatory comment, say something. “That’s not okay here,” is a powerful phrase that reinforces safety and respect.

Prioritize Mental Health Resources – Encourage leadership to partner with organizations like Josselyn to provide LGBTQIA+ inclusive counseling benefits, workshops, or Mental Health First Aid training, a program that helps coworkers support one another in both crisis and everyday situations.