Finding Strength Among Our Allies
We have a thriving and exciting LGBT culture in San Antonio, and what's more, we have an ever-growing and ever-supportive culture of allies here. As with any movement for civil and human rights, success only becomes evident when the members of the majority show that they stand in solidarity with the smaller group.
If you are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or some other diverse identity, consider what you can do to help improve the quality of life for all your LGBT brothers and sisters. The most poignant recommendation I can make is to bring your straight friends (and family, if possible) to events that often cater to our community. Show them how surprisingly normal we all really are.
For some of you, that may mean taking your straight friends to a gay or lesbian bar. But remember that is only one option, and it shows only one side of our community. There is a huge swath of community resources at your disposal, many of which are highlighted for you right in this very issue if ignite (see page 30). Contact a social group, a support group, or a religious resource and take an ally or two with you so they can see the enormous depth of our LGBT culture, in all its surprising variety.
And when you visit local shops and restaurants, make it a point to support LGBT-friendly places. Show our straight allies that we will stand with them (socially, politically, and economically) when they stand with us. For example, when you support the businesses and individuals who advertise in ignite, tell them during your visit about how much it means for them to reach out to the LGBT community through the magazine. Visit and support places where your presence, your uniqueness, your BF or GF, and your dollars are all welcome!
With strength in numbers,
Richard Farias
Editor
editor@igniteisonline.com
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