How to Be a Good Ally - Identity, Privilege, Resistance | Ahsante Bean | Ahsante the Artist

Allyship is an active process - as a Black queer asexual cis able-bodied woman in the lgbt+ community, here's my (intersectionality inclusive) take on how to be a better ally
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How to be a good ally? It's about actively being inclusive of diversity across the spectrum - from lgbt+ folks, black and brown folks, disabled and neurodiverse folks, and people from other marginalized groups. It's also important to think of the intersectionality of people in various marginalized identities like the experiences of black women or trans people of color. We're all problematic in our own ways. But in these are a few ways that we can work to unlearn our natural prejudice, recognize our privilege, and work to make the world more equitable in spite of them.
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Hey! I'm Ahsante the Artist :) I make vlogs and short films about culture, social issues and justice, Harvard college, how to adult as a post grad, and what's going on with me. I strive to live spiritedly and think creatively. I hope you join me!

[@jackdavies6839]

Considering all that's going on right now, I really appreciate all these tips. I want to do the right thing and help as much as I can, and this video gives a lot of good advice on how to start. Thank you so much!

[@KarolaTea]

That's a GREAT explanation of safe spaces.

[@2L8BYE]

dont mind me, just taking notes on how to be a better ally 📝 thank you for this!

[@ReadHeadPat]

I'd also say a good tip is to get over yourself? Because you're probably gonna mess up here & there by accident and you may feel shitty about it. But you kinda just gotta keep going and push forward and get over your mini-crisis and just do better because marginalized people don't exist to make you feel better when you make mistakes. Also: That ginger from In A Heartbeat is me??Where is my money.

[@Goldenhawk0]

👍👍👍

[@ronniekepler6731]

Atleast someone said somthing god bless ya

[@tomspiegel5322]

Or just don't have a goddamn mini-crisis in the first place.

[@ladydiamond6611]

A-FUCKIN-MEN!!!

[@jaxthealien6329]

Lol this something I had to learn and sometimes mess up on. You’ll cause more harm obsessing over your mini crisis, to yourself and others

[@Marymationnn]

I really like the idea that we're all problematic. There are so many groups with their unique problems and each person inside each group is unique. I think we really should increase our empathy and inclusiveness in general and learn about all sorts of people and try to understand each other.

[@gizmo_gadgets6482]

This really helped with me, I’m slowly learning my way out of the “Micheal Scott Phase” pretty much all people who have some sort of privilege (for me: White, Able-Bodied, Neurotypical) and this really got me on a good path. Thank you!

[@febby_8622]

So following on from Ahsante’s point 5 of ‘doing the work’, another way as a minor that you can put work in is to call out your school or institution on what they could do better. Do they do anything/enough for Pride Month and Black History Month? Do they support diversity? Do they have a multi faith prayer room? Are they physically and institutionally accessible for everyone? Do they have any gender neutral bathrooms, and bathrooms that everyone can use? Do they do anything to properly and sensitively educate on different faiths, cultures, and social issues? Do they have safe spaces, and a counsellor or independent listener who can be trusted? There is always more that can be done, and a place of education has a responsibility to do just that- educate.

[@AhsanteB]

Very good point! Glad this resonated with you!

[@AstridMartin666]

Thank you for this. I'm trying hard to be an ally. I am a disabled bilsexual so I understand ablism and discrimination . I never understood racism but I'm trying to live my life in love instead of hate. I'm going to the underground railroad tour with my friend and taking my son so we can be better allies.

[@missinquisitive7413]

I love your description of safe spaces of being like going 'home' and 'not having to play defence', best way I've ever heard it explained. Great video, I know who my latest subscription is!

[@Kfrench0661]

Hi Ahsante, thank you so much for this video. I'm a pretty ignorant person, trying to learn how to navigate politics without falling off the deep end on the left, or being taken in by centrism or conservativism where they would be happy to ignore serious issues because they aren't easy. This video really helps me see how to be a lot more sophisticated and respectful in my approach, so thank you from me, and also you've done a good thing for all the people I would be bothering right now with my stupid questions.

[@charlimarieTV]

Wonderful video Ahsante! I know i could do more to be a better ally and I love how this video gave such great action points. Especially loved the analogy at the beginning!

[@birdieby2]

I'm a queer person and see the word "ally" being used inaccurately all the time. Observing this makes me very aware of the fact that I need to get educated when it comes to being an ally to people of color and other marginalized groups.

[@jjsouls6986]

Like male and lesbian femanists? Useing it just to get laid? Lol shit cover tho

[@ookreek5374]

JJ souls Has it ever occurred to you that maybe this person is simply trying to educate themselves?

[@jjsouls6986]

@@ookreek5374 trust me thats not whats going on

[@schlagie]

@@jjsouls6986 then wtf is going on

[@ookreek5374]

JJ souls Please don’t make assumptions about others.

[@ClipsByLaura]

Not only is this an excellent video, but also major kudos for doing as you preach and mention a variety if marginalised groups and thus making this video amazingly inclusive. Yay!

[@AhsanteB]

Yay inclusivity! Thanks!!

[@iamc4mii]

this video has really helped me to be a better ally! thank you :)

[@AhsanteB]

Yay! Glad I could help!

[@stellabluelulu]

Thought you would like to know that this was in my syllabus for a social work graduate course. Do you have Venmo?

[@AhsanteB]

Oh wow! That's so cool to know ☺️ You can leave me a tip here if you'd like! www.buymeacoffee.com/ahsanteb

[@laurenlaker]

At 4:30 you said that "as an ALLY you'll be fine with that fact that this is not about you" but sometimes it is about them. Always room to grow and learn. Thank you for taking to time and energy to post this. Very much appreciated

[@ranee5019]

That "Safe spaces" theory was revolutionary, and it saved me from so many past heartbreaks when interacting with marginalized communities online. There might be things that I might find outright offensive according to all sorts of logic, but sometimes, i guess we just have to let things and people be. I'm still working on my boundaries, and there have been times when conversations got messy even when both parties were at their best intentions. Being a new ally is emotionally challenging, thoroughly uncomfortable, maybe even draining sometimes. It just gives me a sense of fulfillment and even strengthens my boundaries. even though I've been bullied by some members of marginalized communities, I'm not gonna stop for what I believe in. We're trying our best!

[@MattNeeeser]

I was watching a video made by tee noir and she recommended this video and I’m really happy I watched it. It was a very informative video and you made so many great points.

[@mxjay-jnoah4291]

Love your reminders that being an Allie is part of social action!!!!

[@kr3642]

My problem right now is that the research is so confusing. Seems like nobody is on the same page so I'm left not always knowing what to do/say.

[@kristinaa135]

Wow, that was a great piece, very informative. I have been an ally for years before there was a code of conduct put on it, and in other area's (as you hit on many), I have learning to do. I really appreciated the factual information, well done, and I think anyone would be willing to help support your mission. I am going to save this and show it to my students, and use it in different lessons.

[@AhsanteB]

So glad you find it to be a good resource!

[@Shamazya]

One thing people can do is proactively give more engagement to marginalized creators. Leave a comment (Even if it's just 'great video'), liking the content, watching the ads, sharing, retweeting, tagging, that type of stuff. Also being aware of resources to link people to like connecting Black business owners to Miiriya, a hub for buying Black. Shout out to Tee Noir for recommending this video!

[@Lilykuy]

thank you for this. You're here doing important work. Thank you for answering questions you've probably gotten a million times patiently and kindy, its not something that you have to do but it will hopefully be changing a lot of lives as people share this video and listen to its message, appreciate your emotional labor and the work that you're doing!! Always trying to learn and be better, hopefully this makes more people do the same

[@febby_8622]

Thank you so much for this, and have an amazing 2021!

[@zacharybohlman4069]

Ashante, THANK YOU. 2:30 is something I’ve been thinking about and this entire video has helped me. I’m trying to learn and be better.

[@amandamoresco3747]

What a great video! Thank you! Such great helpful information in one succinct clip.

[@bree7540]

This Helped So Much! Thank You❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@SyntaxSeed]

This is wonderful. Sharing to my folks on Facebook. Thank you for making this.

[@mariee_e]

Well said! Thank u for being here!

[@HeatherEvansCoaching]

Constantly learning. Yes, yes, yes! SHOW UP as an ally!

[@mowzerzs]

Thank you for this! (It definitely helped me realize how I could be better and start becoming someone who better/supports minorities. Thank you again!)

[@rachaelhorner6257]

Thank you for making this video!!

[@elizabethhay5472]

thank you for your voice!!! this video taught me so much and i thank you for that ❤️🤩

[@stuffedtoylover]

this is gold, thank you so much

[@KuJoPlease]

This is a GREAT video! Sharing this everywhere for sure

[@mandiweaverling9605]

Thank you for your insights!! ❤️

[@nicolerola9201]

This is an amazing, eloquent, clear concise and funny video! Thank you sis!

[@dustyficus]

watching this a few years after it was posted thank you for this video i’ve been trying to grow as an ally.

[@EarlyDawnTravels]

Here for this!!!! So grateful I found your channel. Subbed, shared and looking forward to more.

[@laurarider888]

Great info thank you for posting and educating us🙏

[@GarrettRobinson]

Thank you for this. Really appreciate the list of actions to take.

[@sandyscott3104]

Thank you a million for this such wonderful video! I love your messages and tips for us all allies to do a better job at unlearning our prejudices everyday and speaking up for injustice. You are truly awesome and beautiful! Thank you so much! Much love from Utah!

[@villaflorrenalyn8039]

Thank you sm, because of this I've learned a lot.

[@MattPalka]

Over the past few years I have learned so much about my privilege. My family has people of differing gender identity and color and is really supportive of them, so I'm thankful that they have taught me well somewhat early about allyship. Even before I knew exactly what it was. I've also met so many different people in youth leadership with FCCLA. And more recently through KZbin communities like Road to Nerdfighteria project and Tuataria. Your point on it being action-oriented and not passive is so crucial. Learning, listening, and supportive and consistent action. It's not all about me. Thank you for sharing all these ways to use long-term!

[@GiftedSince92GiftedSince92]

Great video! This is very helpful. It's important for people to do the research and help others they know experience being who they are. I think it's something to be aware of other people's experiences of being lgbtq. I have learned so much by going to events, seminars, and conversations with my friends to have a better understanding. I enjoyed this video. Keep up the amazing work!!!

[@kathyf.2002]

I just “found” your channel and I am so glad I did! I am an ally and the information and advice you offer is so welcomed.

[@cheezicle6690]

I was watching this video and I really related the topic of safe spaces with one of my own experiences. I'm in a discord server and one of the people in the server sends a screenshot of someone's introduction (from a different server) where they mention their sexuality. The person who sent the screenshot said something like "this is a discord not a dating website" but I replied with that it's to find solidarity because having a safe space with people who have similar experiences is so important. I love this video so much and you explain things with so much clarity

[@sophbenj.8840]

thank you so much for this video!

[@payalprithvish]

Your video is excellent - the content, as well as the delivery. Rather than write a long message on a women's platform here in Switzerland, I am going to request people to watch your video. Thank you, thank you!!!

[@Orange-ff8dy]

hey, this is a really awesome video! thanks for making t

[@ruthsdyspraxiacontent4018]

Love this thank you!

[@mrsbinstructor9839]

Thanks! Well presented and spot on!

[@pausolis3800]

i loved this! thank u so much

[@echodiantha2325]

Thank you for the video!

[@kurootsuki3326]

3:07: me, the bisexual at the table with the auntie: jaklsd

[@kathlenesheets4471]

I know this video is a few years old, but it's just as relevant. This conversation about racial injustice is obviously expanding on the internet...and what are a lot of white people doing?? (I'm white btw and I've observed this on social media). White people are posting to look the part, and turning it off and not thinking about it after that. Not saying you should be up sweating at night with guilt, of course not (get over yourself lol...like the comment under me says). Listen to your black/gay/trans/immigrant/ any marginalized group of friends!! And if you don't have any...expose yourself to media like this that will educate you. I think some of us do not realize how much we speak without listening to others. Please listen to your friends and family members that you claim to be an ally to! Do not use your allyship on social media to boost your income/credibility/respectability. It's really making me sick how people who spend a lot of time posting about police brutality for example don't wanna have a real conversation about it or contribute to the solutions being proposed. Just post for likes. (This comment is definitely directed at fellow white people btw...or anyone claiming they're an ally of a group but not doing the work like Ashante said...)

[@queer-ios3155]

I do have a question however, this video is super helpful (and this comment) but how can a minor do the work to be an ally? I come from a small town with not much options for protesting.

[@febby_8622]

@@queer-ios3155 there are other ways than just protesting to help bring about change. a) you could call representatives if you live in USA, MPs for the UK and the equivalent elsewhere to find out their views and articulate your views and those of the communities you are trying to be an ally of to them. b) you can try and bring about institutional change. Ask your school or institution what they are doing, and suggest actions such as a more diverse range of speakers at events, doing more for Black History Month and Pride Month, asking them to create those safe spaces for others and to do more to educate their pupils on social issues. Do they have a multi faith prayer room, a bathroom that everyone could use, accessible ways into every building, a counsellor or independent listener who will actually listen? c) you can call out yourself and your friends. Educate yourself- read books, watch films, listen to podcasts, watch KZbin videos like this one- and once you have started to work on your own biases talk to your friends about theirs, and what they are doing about them. Campaign on social media and become part of organisations that make an effort to help, and stay up to date with what’s happening in the world. You can still make a difference and have those conversations, though as a minor they may be a little different depending on how old you are

[@queer-ios3155]

@@febby_8622 thank you

[@birdieby2]

This is the best video on being an ally that I've ever seen!!

[@aeromb_1190]

thank you so much for the explanation !! I’m bi and genderfluid but i don’t know how to deal with my family ALWAYS using racial, homophobic slurs 😓 I told them countless times that it’s wrong to say that and that they should respect other people but they just don’t listen, especially my father, makes my blood boil !!!!!

[@happygucci5094]

Loved this!

[@rizziequeen5253]

So glad I found your channel.

[@Zephirite.]

Thanks for the video!

[@AC-we4xx]

Thank you!!

[@valentinadalessandro7249]

Thank you this is a great video

[@SallaLintonenOfficial]

Excellent video, thank you so much for these tips!! 👏🏻👏🏽👏🏿❤️💛💚💙💜🌈🌷

[@kyleminer4497]

brilliant. loved this.

[@w0manizer2008]

I am watching this at 12:30am and I founded amazing.

[@Girlypop2010]

This was so amazing and informational, thank you so much!

[@AhsanteB]

Awesome! Thank you for watching!

[@stefanierimpel8002]

Wonderful video!! Thanks for sharing!

[@kellyflores4931]

Thank you 🙏

[@nternetrat]

Thank you for this :)

[@marshalljohnblount1993]

This video!! Two thumbs up!

[@miki28miss]

This is the content I'm on youtube for!

[@jamiehand4]

I love this!! Thank you Ahsante!

[@KatrinaEames]

This is a really great video on allyship and I appreciate it.

[@anikahunter4325]

This is so good! Thank you!

[@AhsanteB]

Yay! You're welcome!

[@shaggythepunk3951]

Thanks so much

[@MrBrindleStyle]

Awesome!!

[@savannahwalker5006]

this is incredible🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@ashleysutton2670]

YES THANK YOU ❤❤❤❤

[@dingoa9595]

Thank you

[@maddberlin]

amazing! ❤️

[@RebeccaShoptaw]

THANK YOU FOR THIS (also in a heartbeat. so. so. good. cutest thing to ever be a thing.)

[@amytischler763]

Your video is awesome!

[@LuckyLifeguard]

thank you!!!!

[@jeromebland6635]

I will be watching for your art

[@velokat]

this is such a good video!!

[@aliciatomas3696]

this video NEEDS to be watched.

[@minichou]

great video!!

[@celia.m]

one word: awesome!

[@BrendenBarlow]

I wish my relatives listened to me😂 but I really loved this video, lots of respect. As a gay guy I really appreciate you and people like you bringing attention to minorities and you made a lot of good points. I hope a lot of people see this video, i"ll be sharing it. 😊

[@argh7435]

Great video

[@lucilleavakian833]

Thank you. Excellent resource. As a disabled person I noticed that right after mentioning disability being different for different people, you used an ableist phrase "walk through life." You and I may not both walk through life, but we both "go through life." Our church leadership, the Unitarian Universalist Association, had a schism because they were requested to change the language "we stand together."

[@heytheredollfacex]

"an active process that you're always working on"

[@sophiaf7902]

not sure if you are spiritual or not but if not then im refering to an empath not the word empathy, but coming from an empath, i can tell that you are so full of love and have an enourmous heart and this sense of genuineness that warmed my heart within literal seconds of the video, it has nothing to do with the content in the video, it is how i have the ability to pick up on certain energies in person or not ik it might sound crazy but thats not the pint the pint is that i can tell and feel that you are greatly unappriciated because of how beautiful of a person you are which can scare alot of people away because thier egos are alot more involved in thier personality and logic but yeah to sum it up i just wanted to say thank you for everything you do for so many around you and for being unapoligeticlly yourself because that combo is to rare these days and as well as this video having such an amzing impact in educating and making a difference to so many, thank you.:)

[@deborahseaman8470]

I Love this video!🙏🌈🥰💖

[@stink4835]

Jesus thanks for the like bi-phobic auntie bit cause I was confused about weather correcting or calling out family members for shit like that would even help

[@camillevoyage9727]

Omg everyone on earth needs to watch this video. I still can't understand why people get butthurt about pride or history months just because it doesn't include them (usually white, cis). Keep up the great work Ahsante!!

[@robertsmithfan877]

commenting for algorithm!!!! amazing video

[@rosegirlz88]

Cheers luv

[@aaronwilson9763]

Thoughtful & Refreshing... Now, with that point of view covered; lets cover the inside positions (i.e. not everyone is ready to be supported). 🙉🙈🙊 Namaste.