Being made fun of hurts. When people tease us for being LGBTQ+, it reinforces messages we learned at a young age: We’re different from straight and cisgender people, and they may not like us for that. But, sometimes when it seems like people don’t accept us, it’s not actually the case.

I recount the story of a teenager at my former job going from making fun of me for being LGBTQ+, to giving me a gift that suggested he was actually an ally. I also share my thoughts on the psychology behind Queer oppression and how allies can effectively combat marginalization and anti-LGBTQ+ behaviors when they see them happening.