This is the second of a two-part series on being an ally. You can read Part One here.
.Gay creative says anyone, anywhere, can be an LGBTQIA+ advocate year-round. The key is to focus on authenticity and sincerity.
Before moving to Boise, Idaho for love, Logan Lynn lived in Portland, Oregon since 1996. As an out musician and filmmaker, he also experienced a few stints in California. But his current home base has ignited his passion for advocacy and activism. “There’s nothing like moving to a red state that’s trying to criminalize drag queens to remind you of the importance of LGBTQIA+ visibility,” says Lynn. “It’s been…inspirational, in that sense.”
As the creative to .gay, Lynn is a visionary when it comes to creating safe and empowering online spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community. Here he shares words of wisdom to brands and individuals alike who want to be a meaningful part of change, rather than rainbow-washing their brand just to appeal to certain groups or gain positive press. Lynn says when it comes to advocacy and activism, it is authenticity that ultimately leads to true effectiveness.
When it comes to being a positive force for change and equality, how do some brands get it wrong? What are the "Don'ts" of being an LGBTQIA+ ally?
LGBTQIA+ people exist 365 days a year. Not just during one weekend in June. Support Queer and Trans people all year long. Build authentic relationships with LGBTQIA+ customers and clients. Reflect our lives and our loves in your marketing and company culture. I always think it’s very cool for brands and corporations to adopt an equity and inclusion initiative alongside a nondiscrimination policy. Great first step. But, like, how sustainable is it? Anyone can hire LGBTQIA+ people to check a box. But are those people safe and supported once they get to work? Are they seeing themselves in your branding? I am much more interested in how long Queer and Trans people stick around than I am in how many you have hired, and I think companies that are in authentic relationship with community have a tendency to step in it way less than companies that are just pinkwashing in June. The HRC Equality Index gets released annually and is a great way to track which companies are actually acting like allies and which ones aren’t.
What is the absolute most important thing to being an authentic and effective ally?
Don’t be afraid to pick a side and then stand firmly in that selection. If Gay people matter to you during Pride, they should matter to you all the time. We need you now. And we need you to stick around. We can’t do this without you. It’s good to be on the right side of history with this stuff. History is forever. And so is the internet!
What kind of organizations keep you informed and up-to-date on the most pressing issues affecting LGBTQIA+ rights?
In my time with .gay, I have served as community liaison to dozens of community partners, in addition to my decades of work with LGBTQIA+ communities and media. GLAAD and CenterLink are at the top of that list. I also have trusted relationships with PFLAG National, Human Rights Campaign, and many other Queer and Trans community groups and impact organizations. I also follow Out Magazine, The Advocate, them., Queerty, and many other LGBTQIA+ media outlets. I encourage everyone to do the same. It’s a great way to stay informed and connected.
Why is it so important that organizations, individuals and businesses have access to the .gay domain?
One of the most beautiful things that happens in LGBTQIA+ communities is the magic of finding one another and connecting around our shared lived experiences. The .gay domain is another way of cultivating that magic. It’s a beautiful community, all coming together to reject the status quo and create a safer, more supportive internet for Queer and Trans people. “Gay is Good” is the baseline. In my view, the larger the .gay community grows, the more money we raise for GLAAD and CenterLink, and the more we are able to prove that keeping LGBTQIA+ people safe online is actually great for business!
How can businesses big or small also be a force for positive change? Can you give a good example or 2?
Donate to LGBTQIA+ causes! Register your .gay domain names! Hire LGBTQIA+ talent! Keep said LGBTQIA+ talent safe and supported in the workplace! Speak out against anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric! Vote “YES” to LGBTQIA+ supportive bills and candidates! Be kind to Queer and Trans people! The good news is that it’s not rocket science, so people from all walks of life can – and should – do whatever they can to be part of the change for good.
Liz Achanta
