What is an ally at HFC?

A llies are open, knowledgeable, and supportive toward lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning/queer (LGBTQ+) people and issues. Allies choose to openly, actively, consistently provide support for, and advocate for, LGBTQ+ individuals and communities. Allies work toward a thorough, affirming, and connected understanding of LGBTQ+ issues, terms, and experiences.

Allies support full, equal civil rights; gender equality; access to all services including health care; and positive social change. They stand against all forms of discrimination and homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.

Allies are often, though not always, cisgender, straight individuals.

Allies are:

• Good and caring listeners
• Knowledgeable advocates
• Dedicated to bringing about positive change
• Continually educating themselves
• Not seeking to be the center of attention
• People who acknowledge their privilege
• Always working to expand understanding and acceptance
• Respectful of others' privacy and safety

How you can find an ally at HFC

The HFC allies listed in the section below have completed Ally Training at HFC and stand in full support of members of the LGBTQ+ community and other allies. These individuals invite you to reach out to any of them with questions, inquiries, and any challenges you might be facing. Most are not licensed counselors, and they do not provide official counseling services (though they can refer you to supportive counselors if that is what you need). All HFC allies are trained to provide effective, personalized support -- including a listening ear and a safe space. HFC allies provide welcoming, intentional, informal support and assistance. They will keep your inquiries confidential (unless it is clear that you are in imminent danger and need intervention to protect your safety).

Feel free to build a relationship with an ally, or multiple allies, as part of your network of support and solidarity.

There is no hierarchy among allies. While you are free to reach out to any ally based on that person's area of expertise, ALL allies will welcome you, regardless of their title, status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other factor.

The individuals on this page have undertaken Ally Training at Henry Ford College and have enthusiastically requested to be listed as HFC Allies. These individuals welcome contact from anyone seeking an ally.

NOTE about confidentiality: All allies will keep your information confidential, unless it is clear that you are in imminent danger and need intervention to protect your safety. If you choose to use HFC email for your initial outreach to an ally, you may wish to simply ask the ally if they would be willing to have a 1-to-1 conversation, without mentioning details of the conversation's purpose. The HFC email system is intended primarily for work/school purposes, though you may use it for this purpose too. You may wish to take your future communications into a more private space, such as personal email or phone/text messages.

How you can become an ally at HFC

Participate in Ally Training

We recommend that all allies at HFC participate in ally training, to create a community consensus on what an ally is and how you can be supportive and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ members of community.

If you are interested in Ally Training to become a better ally at HFC, please contact Elizabeth Preston, at 313-317-1530 or via e-mail at empreston@hfcc. Training will be offered once a year for anyone who is interested in providing resources, creating safe spaces, and creating an environment free from biases and harassment.

Below are some guidelines and suggestions on what being an ally means at HFC. HFC ally training will give you additional tools and strategies.