As more Baha’i LGBTQ Allies come forward we must
constantly address what being an ally looks like, what is appreciated,
and what we can work on, we are all still learning as we move forward in
this new century. This list isn’t exhaustive and I encourage
everyone’s input as I don’t speak for all LGBTQ Baha’is.
What Baha’i LGBTQ Allies CAN Do
1. Stand up to / educate homophobic, transphobic, or misinformed Baha’is in person and on Social Media.
2.
When discussing forms of prejudice in a Baha’i setting make a point to
mention homophobia and transphobia as forms of prejudice that Baha’is
should stand up against.
3.
If a Baha’i promotes Reparative / Conversion Therapy please be a voice
of reason and mention the dangers of this fringe science and its
lackluster success rates.
4.
Challenge Baha’is when they mention that they know happy celibate LGBTQ
Baha’is, they are a very small minority of LGBTQ Baha’is whose life
choices should be respected, but not reflective of most of our lived
experiences.
5. On Social
Media post stories of LGBTQ inclusion, show support for Pride Month,
Transgender Awareness Week, and LGBTQ History Month.
6.
Actually LISTEN to LGBTQ Baha’i lived experiences in the Baha’i Faith,
many of us are very deepened and have served the Cause in many
capacities.
7. Educate
your Baha’i community on mental health concerns for LGBTQ people,
inclusion matters, heavy handed Baha’is and Institutions have and will
continue to push some of us over the edge.
8.
Write your concerns to your National Spiritual Assembly and the
Universal House of Justice, they need to hear from you, they’ve already
heard from us believe me!
What Baha’i LGBTQ Allies Should NOT Do
1. Showing support in a passive way such as hushed tones and when other Baha’is are not around.
2. Remaining silent when other Baha’is make homophobic and transphobic comments.
3. Remaining silent when Baha’is promote the fringe science of Reparative / Conversion Therapy.
4. Telling LGBTQ Baha’is what is and what is not homophobic or transphobic, it’s not for heterosexuals to decide that.
5.
Challenging LGBTQ Baha’is when they do not think the most recent
guidance from the National Spiritual Assembly and the Universal House of
Justice is helpful, inviting, or affirming.
6.
Telling LGBTQ Baha’is that you are in the same boat for being a single
celibate Baha’i, to many of us it’s a false equivalency.
