This week is the Gay-Straight Education Network's 'Ally Week', an opportunity for schools and communities nationwide to encourage straight allies to speak out against anti-LGBT bullying and harassment, whether it be physical, verbal, or psychological.



Take GLSEN's Ally Week Pledge:



I believe all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression,

deserve to feel safe and supported. That means I pledge to:



1. Not use anti-LGBT language and slurs;

2. Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where other students are being harassed;

3. Support efforts to end bullying and harassment.



Take the pledge online here.



What is an Ally?

Often referred to as "straight allies," allies generally are non-LGBT people who are committed to ending bias and discrimination against LGBT people. While straight allies are an integral part of GLSEN's Ally Week, the term "ally" is more inclusive within the Safe Schools Movement to refer to anyone who supports ending anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. For instance, a bisexual adult can be an ally to LGBT students, and a lesbian student can be an ally to a transgender student ( GLSEN ).

Tools for Ally Week in your school and/or community: