With a growing understanding of 2SLGBTQIA+ identities and a foundational embrace of affirming theology, now it’s time to put it to work! Learn what it means to practice “allyship”. Discover the critical challenges facing those with multiple intersections of identity that face discrimination- and how you can help!

In this section we will learn about:

• What is Allyship?
• What is Intersectionality?

In many social justice contexts we hear about the need to be an “ally”. As the term suggests, it is about being committed to standing in support and solidarity with 2SLGBTQIA+ folks (or any other marginalized group) in the face of injustice. In many circles, there has been a shift away from the term, with the concern being that it often became a static identity or a badge to be earned. To counter this, the Rainbow Well focuses instead on the idea of allyship, a continuous and active process of supporting the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

What does allyship have to do with our Christian faith? Allyship is about the commitment to and active engagement of our love for those on the margins. Jesus said that there is no greater love than that we lay down our lives for our friends. That is the driving love behind allyship- not a political agenda or an ideological abstraction. It is about consistent, meaningful, and costly devotion to those we love who are suffering.

Here are few resources to help you understand and engage in allyship:

“Queering Allyship” by Beth Carlson-Malena

“How to Be a Good Ally – Identity, Privilege, Resistance” by Ahsante Bean

“Accountability: Learning the Hard Lessons of Allyship” by Jamie Arpin-Ricci

While the word can be intimidating (even just to write correctly!), it is very important that we understand the concept of “intersectionality”. Intersectionality is a framework that helps us understand how different aspects of a person’s identity—like gender, race, sexuality, and class—interact to shape their experiences in unique and complex ways. In the context of 2SLGBTQIA+ allyship, recognizing intersectionality is crucial because it highlights that individuals within the community face diverse challenges based on their multiple, intersecting identities.

For example, a Black transgender woman may face specific forms of discrimination (racism, transphobia, sexism) that are different from those experienced by a white gay man, who, while facing challenges due to his sexuality, may also experience certain privileges associated with his white, cisgender, and male identities. This is not about competing oppressions but rather understanding how each form of identity (and discrimination) does not function apart from the other.

By acknowledging these nuances, we can adapt our approach to allyship to be truly inclusive, effective, and self aware, addressing the varied and overlapping injustices that individuals within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community encounter. This critical understanding ensures that our support for each other respects and uplifts the full spectrum of identities and experiences in our shared pursuit of equality and justice.

The Rainbow Well is committed to intersectionality. One small part of that is our commitment that 10% of all donations to the site will be designated to a 2SLGBTQIA+ BIPOC organization every quarter. Further, we have earmarked funding to compensating BIPOC contributors to help further amplify and platform their voices- voices we so very much need to hear. These are just two examples of our commitment to intersectionality.

Here are some quick resources that will help you build these bridges of understanding:

“What is Intersectionality?” by Kimberlé Crenshaw

Want to go deeper on this topic? Here’s some suggestions:

“Intersectional Theology: An Introductory Guide” by Grace Ji-Sun Kim & Susan M Shaw

“Black, Gay, British, Christian, Queer: The Church and The Famine of Grace” by Jarel Robinson-Brown

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Remember, this is just the start of your journey. This 101 has equipped to better engage the complexity of these important topics. Let this be just the beginning of your journey. This site is filled with hundreds of other resources that will change your life. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more help.

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