Prague Pride 2025: 7 tips on how to be a true ally of the LGBTQ+ community
To understand the importance of allyship, it is important to know what LGBTQ+ stands for. The acronym "LGB" stands for lesbian, gay and bisexual - that is, different sexual orientations. The "T" stands for transgender, which is a gender identity. "Q" encapsulates the notion of queer, an identity outside of traditional norms, but also the process of "queering" that disrupts established categories of sexuality and gender.
For greater inclusivity, the acronym also extends to LGBTQIA - adding intersex and asexual people - or even longer variations that include pansexual or the concept of Two-Spirited, which draws on the traditions of North American indigenous communities.
The acronyms may seem complicated, but one thing is essential: accept diversity and do not assume the orientation or gender identity of others. Addressing, pronouns or identity are personal choices, and respecting them is the first step towards equal coexistence.
Who is an ally?
The word "ally" is used in everyday life to describe a person or group that stands alongside another - for example, in wars or politics. In the LGBTQ+ context, allyship means support that goes beyond one's own identity. Anyone can become an ally - straight, gay, lesbian, trans, non-binary or anyone else - as long as they actively take the side of those facing discrimination.
A history of allyship
The struggle for queer rights has roots deep in the 20th century. The first U.S. gay advocacy organization was formed in 1924, the first lesbian group thirty years later. Yet queer people have faced harsh persecution - for example, during the so-called "Lavender Panic" of the 1950s, up to five thousand gay people were discharged from the U.S. military and government.
The turning point came in June 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn , a bar in New York. This time, queer people fought back - throwing bricks, resisting arrest, and launching the resistance that gave birth to the modern movement for the liberation of the LGBTQ+ community. Just a year later, the first Pride parades - the precursors to today's Pride festivals - were held in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago.
History makes it clear that queer people alone could hardly win this fight. The support of allies - in politics, culture and everyday life - was and remains crucial.
Why Allyship Matters
Queer people's rights are not a once-and-for-all given. Even though marriage for all, for example, has only been legal nationally in the US for ten years and is still awaiting approval in the Czech Republic, queer people are facing a new wave of resistance. Anti-trans legislation is on the rise in many states, conversion therapy is still practiced in many parts of the world, LGBTQ+ people experience discrimination at work or when looking for housing, face bullying in schools and a higher risk of mental illness.
The situation is all the more serious because homosexuality is still a criminal offence in many countries around the world. Allies therefore have a vital role to play: influencing public opinion, promoting safer workplaces and schools, electing politicians who protect minorities, and influencing future generations by example.
How to be a good ally: 7 steps
The difference between mere tolerance and true allyship is activism. It is not enough to be silent - you need to act. Here are seven tips on how to become an ally in practice:
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Educate yourself
Learn about queer history and current issues. Read the stories of LGBTQ+ people, watch debates about legislation, and learn about the challenges queer people are facing. -
Listen to
Give space to community voices. Listening and understanding the experiences of others is a cornerstone of solidarity. -
Speak up
Stand up for queer people when you encounter stereotypes, homophobic jokes or discriminatory behaviour. Make it clear that queerphobia is not okay - whether at work, school or in the family. -
Support organisations
You can volunteer your time, make a financial contribution or at least share the work of groups that fight for equal rights. -
Attend queer events
Pride parades, film festivals, discussions or community meetings are all opportunities to show solidarity and support the people who organise them. -
Shop at queer businesses
Spending money in stores owned by LGBTQ+ people means empowering them and supporting the creation of safe spaces. -
Vote
Politics directly impacts the lives of queer people. Vote for candidates who support equal rights, and care about their real positions - not just their catchy slogans.
Prague Pride as an ideal opportunity
The festival filling the streets of Prague this week offers allies a unique opportunity. You can join the parade, come along to a discussion about queer mental health, watch LGBTQ+ themed films or support artists working outside the mainstream.
But Prague Pride isn't just a celebration, it's also a reminder that allyship is a long-term commitment. It is not a one-off gesture, but a daily effort to create a world where everyone can feel safe and free to be themselves.
