Introduction

This book explores the ally perspective in advocating for the human rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Questioning (LGBTQI+) people. Aiming to promote safe and inclusive educational communities, the book attempts to unravel the dynamics of mobilizing not only the privilege and power typically associated with heterosexual, cisgendered allies, but also the voices, strength and resilience of allies positioned within LGBTQI+ communities. Over many years, research has revealed that homophobia, transphobia and biphobia have been detrimental to the wellbeing of innumerable LGBTQI+ people across the globe. Although the LGBTQI+ ally can assist to counter gender and sexuality-based discrimination, further research is required to better understand the allied perspective of engaging with education, advocacy and activism in schools, universities and the broader community. Furthermore, the concept of LGBTQI+ allyship has evoked controversy, with some advocates and activists disagreeing about who has the right to be an ally and what their responsibilities entail. The opening chapter briefly describes the background to the book, its theoretical underpinnings and the contents of the remaining chapters.