CASSANDRA

Daily

ACTIONABLE ALLYSHIP

Honoring Ally Week (and all 52 weeks of the year)

Disturbingly, this year, 45 states have introduced 650 bills—double last year's—limiting LGBTQ+ rights, especially for young people. These bills obstruct gender-affirming care, restrict school involvement, and jeopardize their safety. During Ally Week, we honor the call to learn, speak up, and foster inclusivity, and look to recognize Gen Z organizations and individuals championing empathy and inclusiveness not only this week but year-round.

LOUDER THAN EVER - DOSOMETHING.ORG

Recognizing the urgency of protecting trans futures, Teen Vogue recently reported that the team at DoSomething.org, the digital hub for youth-centered activism, has launched Louder Than Ever. The program encourages young people to take actions such as reading banned books by LGBTQ+ authors, reaching out to legislators and demanding they protect trans youth and other programs that teach them how to help support and promote the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals in our communities.

— Arlo, 17, FL (Cassandra Collective)

    SAFE ON CAMPUS

    Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values at Western Michigan University. The Safe on Campus program promotes safety and inclusion through educational training for all students, faculty, and staff. The training covers allyship, supporting LGBTQ+ students, understanding sex, gender, and orientation, and using respectful language. Completing the training earns participants a placard designating their space as safe for anyone seeking help or expressing concerns.

    — Erin, 22, OH (Cassandra Collective)

      RECOGNITION FOR ALLYSHIP

      Celebrating the queer community and its allies, the GLAAD Media Awards honored notable figures this year. Recording artist Bad Bunny received the Vanguard award, which is presented to “allies who have made a significant difference in promoting acceptance of LGBTQ+ people and issues. Christina Aguilera was awarded the Advocate for Change award, given to “a person who, through their work, has changed the game for LGBTQ+ people around the world.” The only two past recipients of the award are President Bill Clinton and pop superstar Madonna.