In light of the recent increase in anti- LGBTQ+ rhetoric and political attacks in Kansas and across the country, it is crucial that the LGBTQ+ liberation movement continue to gain not only allies, but accomplices.
However, many folks do not understand the difference between allies and accomplices—nor do they know what steps they should be taking to become an effective accomplice in the work toward LGBTQ+ liberation. This short guide will break these terms down and provide folks with resources and information to assist their efforts to become an LGBTQ+ accomplice.
The terms “ally” and “accomplice” are often used to describe those who come from places of privilege and power in their relationship to marginalized groups or individuals. But it is important to realize that these terms are not interchangeable. All accomplices are allies, but not all allies are accomplices.
An ally is often defined as someone who expresses support of an individual or group of a marginalized community. However, this support is typically untethered to meaningful action on behalf of that individual or group, and the ally rarely takes risks as part of their support.
In contrast, an accomplice is often defined as someone who uses the power and privilege they hold to challenge the systems and structures that oppress marginalized individuals or groups, often risking their time; their physical, financial, or mental comfort; or social or professional position in the process.
A helpful metaphor to narrate this difference is that allies are more like cheerleaders, rooting for LGBTQ+ liberation from the sidelines without significantly participating. But accomplices are out on the field, playing the game with members of the community and taking action to further the cause of LGBTQ+ liberation. An ally would attend pride parades and celebrate the community, while an accomplice would attend city council meetings and advocate for LGBTQ+-friendly policies or put their bodies on the line at protests challenging anti-LGBTQ+ policies.
While allyship is necessary and important, allyship does not significantly help the LGBTQ+ community fight back against systems of oppression that continue to marginalize and otherize queer and trans people. That is why it is so important the LGBTQ+ liberation movement continues to gain accomplices—people who take their allyship out of the abstract and move it into action and true solidarity.
This is especially important in this moment in history, when LGBTQ+ people are facing unprecedented attacks in the Kansas legislature, in legislatures across the country, and in other local and state institutions. LGBTQ+ Kansans appreciate support from allies, but they need action from accomplices to be able to feel safe in our state and live authentic lives without fear of persecution, discrimination, or violence.
It can be challenging to look inward and analyze whether we are doing the work
to truly be LGBTQ+ accomplices. But it is important to reflect on this question and even more important to be honest with yourself when coming up with the answer. Don’t think of this as a test you pass or fail— think of this as a spectrum of opportunity to grow and continually work toward becoming the LGBTQ+ accomplice you hope to be.
There are lots of things you can do on your own to work toward becoming an accomplice to LGBTQ+ liberation. Below is a list of a few things you could do to get started on this journey:
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