.gay Community Spotlight on The Ally Coalition

In this week's.gay Community Spotlight, we are excited to chat with The Ally Coalition about the extraordinary impact their organization has been making in the music industry by connecting brands, bands, and fans in the fight to support LGBTQIA+ Youth.

Discover more about TAC’s work in our interview below. 

How would you describe your organization’s mission?

TAC leverages the power of the music industry to connect brands, bands and fans in the fight to support LGBTQ Youth.

Tell us about how that mission is brought to life through your work?

We partner with musicians to engage their fans on tour — this year we’ve worked with Arlo Parks, Big Thief, Bartees Strange, Beach Bunny, Bleachers, Carly Rae Jepsen, Caroline Rose, Courtney Barnett, Drive By Truckers, Muna, Mxmtoon and The 1975 to introduce their fans to a local LGBTQ Community Center in each city they stop in. We run digital campaigns, where fans can donate, sign petitions and take action to win unique prizes, like a trip to GoldSky Festival or a trip to meet MUNA and Ben Platt before their respective shows. And we host an annual Talent Show, our benefit concert that has featured performances from amazing musicians like Taylor Swift, Matty Healy, Phoebe Bridgers, and Joy Oladokun.

What would happen if your organization suddenly did not exist?

I think that’s the goal of any non-profit — to shut down because the issue we’re advocating for has been solved. Queer youth are treated equally, and homelessness and youth homelessness are eradicated. I don’t think TAC or any of our partner community centers and shelters want to be in business, we’d much rather see a world where we are 1,000% obsolete.

If TAC were to no longer exist, the network of amazing organizations that we fund would need to work to make that funding up. With the amount of amazing, hands-on support and services they provide youth, I’d hate to see them spend even more time on finding funding.

What can people do to get involved and help make sure that never happens?

Donate to TAC, learn more about your local LGBTQ community center and do all you can to support them!

Why does LGBTQIA+ visibility matter to you?

I think representation is a part of a bigger picture. Representation that does not result in concrete legal and cultural changes is representation for representation’s sake. But well written characters, that change hearts and minds and that show Queer and or non-white kids what their future could look like, is incredibly vital. 

In your own words, what does “LGBTQIA+ safety and support” mean specifically?

I don’t think LGBTQIA+ safety and support is any different than safety and support for any person — to be seen, accepted and respected as the person that you are. I think that’s the most frustrating part of working in LGBTQ Advocacy — we’re not asking for any special treatments or accommodations, we’re just asking for equality and respect like any other person. We shouldn’t have to ask, and it’s frustrating to have to. 

Who are some of your LGBTQIA+ heroes?

The first time I was made aware of LGBTQ People was watching Ellen’s talk show. I can only imagine how many young people have the same story, and I’ve always admired the barriers that she broke. And being in music, how can you not love Brandi Carlile, Elton John and Michael Stipe?

If you could give LGBTQIA+ youth one message, what would it be?

I think it was Julien Baker that said something along the lines of, “Things don’t get better, but you get better at dealing with things.” I think that’s an important message — there will always be challenges, but when you’re able to grow and learn from your challenges, the next time you face them they get much, much easier. So hold on — you can persevere through anything.

Tell us about a time when you felt like the work you do at your organization really mattered or made a difference for the communities you serve?

Whenever I visit a partner center like Safe Place For Youth, I’m able to see the services, compassion and hope they provide for their clients. That’s an amazing moment. And whenever our partners have a meaningful interaction with a show, that is fantastic to see. I’ve been lucky enough to witness this at all the TAC shows I’ve been to.

Anything else you would like to share with the .gay audience? 

Follow @allycoalition to learn more about our work, and visit one of our partners when we’re on tour with bands like Bleachers, Arlo Parks, Courtney Barnett, Frank Turner, PVRIS and dozens of others!