Ally Week, hosted by the Rainbow Gems, is this week. Many people do not understand what Ally Week? Many people also think Ally week is only for LGBTQ+ students. Actually, Ally Week is a week for the LGBTQ+ community and their Allies, people who support them, to celebrate them, and for people to respect LGBTQ+ youth, as well. According to Ms. Avery, the sponsor of the Rainbow Gems club, “It is all about making school a safe place for everyone, no matter if they’re straight, gay, transgender, it’s [Ally Week] making school a safe place.”

The Deeper Meaning 

That being said, Ally Week is important because it provides respect and safety for the LGBTQ+ community, and many people show this respect, but not everyone is as respectful as you may think or wish. The safety was not always broken by these people themselves. According to an article by the HRC (Human Rights Campaign), there have been 31 fatal attacks on trans and gender non-binary people. This injustice is as widespread as some forms of racism. According to the Trevors’ Project Survey, approximately 45% of LGBTQ+ youths had suicidal thoughts, and 1 in 5 of the 34,000 youths surveyed had attempted suicide. Ally week spreads the idea of the safety of everybody. 

How You Can Participate

Everybody at Rosemont can participate in Ally Week. You can buy any of the affordable Rainbow Gems masks, buttons, and shirts sold in the amphitheater, there you can also take the Ally pledge and become one of the hundreds of people committed to ending hate against the LGBTQ+ community. There are even limited edition bracelets given to people who take the pledge.  You can also join the Rainbow Gems club all year long. Remember that Allies ROCK!