Project Overview
This campaign is designed to empower Vermonters of all ages, including young people (peers, friends, classmates, and siblings) and adults (teachers, parents, mentors, coaches, employers, and community members) with the tools and understanding to be supportive allies for LGBTQ+ youth who are exploring their gender identity and sexual orientation. With LGBTQ+ people facing intensified erasure and violence, effective allyship is essential. The campaign should also help LGBTQ+ young people feel seen and supported.
By combining useful tips and educational content across social media, websites, videos, and print materials, the campaign fosters empathy and shows people how to be allies. Inclusive and positive, it encourages people to become allies by taking meaningful steps toward affirming behaviors, promoting safe spaces, and amplifying LGBTQ+ voices. The multi-platform approach ensures broad reach and practical application, equipping target audiences to navigate this journey with confidence and care.
Project Resources
Resources for this campaign include social media graphics, a video, a rack card, poster, and flyer.
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT:
Your allyship makes a difference, showing LGBTQ+ youth that they are valued. By listening, learning, and standing up for inclusion, you can create a safer Vermont for all.
Being curious is the first step toward being an ally. LGBTQ+ youth support starts close to home. Connect with your local coalition or visit our allies at outrightvt.org.
Your allyship makes a difference, showing LGBTQ+ youth that they are valued. By listening, learning, and standing up for inclusion, you can create a safer Vermont for all.
Being curious is the first step toward being an ally. LGBTQ+ youth support starts close to home. Connect with your local coalition or visit our allies at outrightvt.org.
Your allyship makes a difference, showing LGBTQ+ youth that they are valued. By listening, learning, and standing up for inclusion, you can create a safer Vermont for all.
Being curious is the first step toward being an ally. LGBTQ+ youth support starts close to home. Connect with your local coalition or visit our allies at outrightvt.org.
Your allyship makes a difference, showing LGBTQ+ youth that they are valued. By listening, learning, and standing up for inclusion, you can create a safer Vermont for all.
Being curious is the first step toward being an ally. LGBTQ+ youth support starts close to home. Connect with your local coalition or visit our allies at outrightvt.org.
Your allyship makes a difference, showing LGBTQ+ youth that they are valued. By listening, learning, and standing up for inclusion, you can create a safer Vermont for all.
Being curious is the first step toward being an ally. LGBTQ+ youth support starts close to home. Connect with your local coalition or visit our allies at outrightvt.org.
By being inclusive, you’re showing respect and support for Vermont’s LGBTQ+ youth. One of the most powerful things you can do is to see and respect people for who they really are. Studies show using someone’s chosen name and pronouns can reduce their risk of depression and anxiety. It’s okay not to be perfect—but it matters that you care enough to try. Learn more from our allies at outrightvt.org/aoe-best-practices
Remember: Words matter because people matter.
Words signal belonging. Swapping out “ladies and gentlemen” for inclusive greetings like “everyone,” “folks,” or “friends” is a small shift with a big impact. For LGBTQ+ youth, these simple changes can mean the difference between feeling left out or feeling seen. Let’s make space for all. Learn more from our allies at outrightvt.org/aoe-best-practices
Remember: Words matter because people matter.
“Just a joke” can do lasting damage. Stereotypes—in words, jokes, or assumptions—send a message that someone doesn’t belong. They can undermine self-worth, safety, and inclusion for LGBTQ+ youth. Being mindful with our language creates space for everyone to be themselves, without fear or shame. It’s not about walking on eggshells—it’s about walking alongside others with care. Learn more from our allies at outrightvt.org
Remember: Words matter because people matter.
LGBTQ+ students in Vermont face a higher rate of electronic bullying compared to their peers (Source: 2023 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey). What happens online isn’t separate from real life. It affects mental health, safety, and belonging. Choose kindness. Use your voice to uplift. Challenge hate. You don’t need a big platform to make a big difference. Learn more from our allies at outrightvt.org
Remember: Words matter because people matter.
Right now, it is urgent for allies to work with LGBTQ+ youth to push back against hate—with the language they use and the actions they take. That’s because LGBTQ+ individuals are facing increased levels of erasure from public life, with high levels of anti-trans violence, attacks on affirming healthcare, and attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Only together can we create environments that are welcoming for all. Learn more from our allies at outrightvt.org/blog/defending-lgbtq-youth-from-hate-is-a-community-obligation
Remember: Words matter because people matter.
