ABSTRACT
This chapter reiterates the aim of the book, which attempts to broach the gap in knowledge regarding the LGBTQI+ ally perspective, which straddles education and activism in schools, universities and broader communities. Highlighting North American and Australian contexts, this book has attempted to untangle the ally’s contested role in advocacy for LGBTQI+ human rights as well as understand allyship’s dynamics and power relations, in and outside the LGBTQI+ community. Pointing out that homophobia, transphobia and biphobia continue to produce devastating impacts for many educational stakeholders, Chapter 10 weaves back to the opening chapter of the book, thereby highlighting personal and professional experiences, as well as the queer, trans, feminist and intersectional lens informing this book. The chapter then revisits key points from Chapters 2 to 9, which examined issues ranging from the history of LGBTQI+ allies to processes of being and becoming an ally, the interplay between legislation, social changes and the ally movement, as well as the role of media and celebrity ally voices. Concluding remarks highlight that the book has drawn principally on empirical research, policies, practices and media reports from North America and Australia to probe compelling questions, such as:
Who is permitted to be an ally and research LGBTQI+ topics?
When does the ally mandate spill over from education to advocacy and activism?
