Dr. Ellen Greenwald (left) and Dr. Carmen Cruz (right) answered questions from Voices United members on the importance of people with privilege to support others.
LaDonna Womachell
If this concept doesn’t ring any bells, it was clarified at the June meeting of Voices United by two licensed psychologists who are both assistant professors in the Department of Psychology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Carmen Cruz and Dr. Ellen Greenwald made it clear how important it is for communities on the edge of society to have allies who are privileged to support them. Dr. Cruz and Dr. Greenwald primarily discussed this concept in terms of the LGBTQ communities.
They emphasized the importance of listening and learning about these communities without judgment and honoring their experiences and perceptions as we would value our own. It is also critical to know that not every member of the community is identical; none of these communities are monoliths. Generalized assumptions about the communities are inappropriate and offensive. Both professors noted that changes to federal and state laws often have a direct impact on the LGBTQ community in ways that are important to everyone.
Both highlighted the effect of language on an individual’s mental and emotional health. Commonplace words that are spoken, whether intentionally or unintentionally, and heard repeatedly become painful over time.
They also emphasized that the need for allies is not just limited to the LGBTQ communities. It can apply to people who are poor, who are disabled, who have a different skin color, who have a different religion or culture, or who are outside the conventional norms of society. The steps to being an ally are straightforward: engage in ongoing learning about the community, strengthen your self-awareness and empathy for others, understand your personal privileges, and take action to support other communities.
Dr. Cruz and Dr. Greenwald said that being an ally is not a one-time act; it is a commitment to supporting equity and dignity for other communities even when it is hard to do. It was a message that needed to be heard.
Voices United is a non-partisan group of Robson Ranch women who share progressive values, perform community outreach, provide civic awareness and social contact for members, and have a good time! We’re a 501(c)(3) group. Our annual dues are $25.
For more information or to join, go to www.voicesunitedrr.org.