On Becoming An Ally

Becoming an Ally seeks out the roots of racism, sexism, and all the other forms of oppression that divide us--in history, political/economic structures and our individual psychology. It suggests ways to change, particularly through becoming allies of oppressed peoples when we are in the role of oppressor.

Becoming an Ally is a search for the origins of racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, and all the other forms of oppression that divide us. The book examines history, economic and political structures, and individual psychology looking for the roots of discrimination. It attempts to answer such questions as: Has oppression always been with us, part of "human nature"? What does individual healing have to do with social justice? What does social justice have to do with individual healing? Why do members of the same oppressed group fight one another, sometimes more viciously than they fight their oppressors? Why do some who experience oppression develop a life-long commitment to fighting oppression, while others turn around and oppress others? What can we do to change oppression? The book looks for solutions by examining the process through which we come to recognize ourselves, first as people who have experienced oppression, then as members of oppressor groups. In particular, it lays out guidelines for becoming allies of oppressed peoples when we are in the role of oppressor.

Six steps to becoming an ally

1. Understanding oppression, how it came about, how it is held in place, and how it stamps its pattern on the individuals and institutions that continually recreate it;
2. Understanding different oppressions, how they are similar, how they differ, how they reinforce one another;
3. Consciousness and healing;
4. Becoming a worker for your own liberation;
5. Becoming an ally;
6. Maintaining hope.

LINK: How to be a Trans Ally

LINK: Becoming an Ally

LINK: “Coming Out to My Homophobia and Heterosexism: Lessons Learned in the Journey of Being an Ally,” by Alan D. Berkowitz, Ph.D.

LINK: Allies Booklet: "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Trans Issues...well, maybe not everything".2007 (pdf)