So You Want to Support Lgbtqia+ Folx in Your Classroom, Stage, and Life?

A List of Actions for Allyship in the Bellydance Community

The LGTBQIA+ is a wonderful diverse community deserving of support. We have wonderful allies, but they might not know exactly how to help support their queer friends, family, or enemies (respecting pronouns applies if you like a person or not!). In this goal, Athena worked with dancers in the Facebook group “Belly Dancers Against Bigotry” to create a list of actions you can take to make the bellydance world more supportive of our LGBTQIA+ members. This list is not exhaustive, but serves as a starting point in your allyship journey.

In your classroom:

• Model sharing pronouns with every class. Known pronouns might change, and not everyone will feel safe sharing pronouns, especially in first class. Leave space and don't expect that all folx will immediately offer this information.

• Use the names people give you, not what is on their credit card.

• Avoid using gendered anatomical terms (i.e., use ribcage as opposed to breasts) and never refer to the womb or “yoni”.

• Avoid using gendered terms when addressing the class. Instead, use words like students or dancers. Never use girls/ladies, goddess, or sisters.

• When looking at costume choices, include costuming that has modest, unisex, and masculine options.

At your event:

• Have vendors that offer unisex clothing.

• Tell people ahead of time that dressing rooms will be unisex. However, be prepared with options for people who would feel safer with more privacy.

• Remind performers that dressing rooms are for changing and warming up, not to snoop at others parts. If possible, provide a separate area for networking / socializing that isn’t connected with changing costumes.

• Protect dressing rooms: do not allow any photography in the dressing room.

• Respect performer names in performance spaces. Don’t use any other names you may know for whatever reason (personal, work, payment) in this space. That includes the stage/venue and artist circles/networks.

In your booking:

• Make sure your lineups/the shows you're supporting have lgbt+ performers

• Ensure that performance spaces & staff are safe (Ie do safe space training don't just put up a sticker on your window)

In your life:

• Ask pronouns and offer yours.

• Don’t patrol bathrooms.

• Don’t make assumptions about sexual orientation, relationship status, family size or dynamics.

• Refer to your significant other as "partner” to normalize it.

• Have consent culture be a part of your life. (Ask before you touch someone).

• Be vocal in your allyship (let other folks know you're not a safe place for bigotry)

Collaborators

• Athena Howe, she/her, @athenashimmy

• Shaheen Alikhan, She/her/they, @sawdust_and_glitter

• Undine, they/them, @madame_undine

• Kamrah, he/They, @kamrahdancer

• Megz Madrone, she/her, @megz.madrone

• Carmen Meza, they/them, @careladance

About the Author

Athena is a Columbus, Ohio-based dancer, teacher, event producer, and general nonsense maker. She loves learning, chaos, and a good party.