Who is an ally?
Life’s challenges can be overwhelming; everyone deserves a space to feel heard and supported. At Roamers Therapy, we provide trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and evidence-based environments to help you heal, grow, and navigate your mental well-being journey. As your psychotherapist, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
An ally works alongside another person (or group) to reach a common goal. People can be allies to the LGBTQIA+ community to advocate for equal rights. Similarly, someone can be an ally to BIPOC individuals by calling out racism and working towards societal reform. Someone does not necessarily need to be a part of a specific group or community to be an ally; anyone can be an ally. However, allyship with a community does not equal membership in that group. Some things that allies might do are educate others on systemic racism or challenge their friends’ heterosexism. Being an ally does not mean speaking on behalf of marginalized groups of people but rather uplifting their voices and validating their needs.
Why are allies important?
Allies are essential to marginalized communities because allies usually do not share the same identity as marginalized individuals. Allies care about social justice and use their social privilege to advocate for others. This is important as it can be burdensome for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ people to advocate for their rights and educate others. In addition, from an intersectional lens, even marginalized people can be allies to others.
Find the Best Therapist in Chicago for Becoming a Stronger Ally
There are many ways to become a better ally. First, reflect on your biases and ways you may oppress others or reinforce structural racism and homophobia. Acknowledge your privilege and how you may have benefited from these systems of power. Educate yourself on these systemic issues, but do not go to BIPOC or LGBTQIA+ people as your educators. Listen to what other people have to say. Listen without judgment, interruptions, or counterarguments. Speak up and speak out against racism and homophobia. Challenge racism and homophobia daily by educating and correcting friends and family. Alternatively, you can speak up for individuals who are mistreated. You can also donate to organizations that serve these communities. Finally, know that allyship is lifelong, and you will always need to continue working and challenging these systems of power.
At Roamers Therapy, our psychotherapists are here to support you through anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship issues, race-ethnicity issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, ADHD, Autism, or any challenges you encounter. Our psychotherapists are trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Acceptance, and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Gottman Therapy.
Whether you’re seeking guidance on a specific issue or need help navigating difficult emotions, we’re ready to assist you every step of the way.
Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule a session with our mental health professionals to begin your healing journey. To get started with therapy, visit our booking page.
First, decide if you’ll be paying out-of-pocket or using insurance. If you’re a self-pay client, you can book directly through the “Book Now” page or fill out the “Self-Pay/Out-of-network Inquiry Form.” If you’re using insurance, fill out the “Insurance Verification Form” to receive details about your costs and availability. Please let us know your preferred therapist. If your preferred therapist isn’t available, you can join the waitlist by emailing us. Once your appointment is confirmed, you’ll receive intake documents to complete before your first session.
This page is also part of the Roamers Therapy Glossary; a collection of mental-health related definitions that are written by our therapists.
While our offices are currently located at the South Loop neighborhood of Downtown Chicago, Illinois, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more. You can visit our contact page to access detailed information on our office location.