Joining the Family: Experiences of Being and Becoming Ally Activists of LGBTQ People

Issues surrounding the full-inclusion and rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people are at the forefront of many political discussions. People who are straight-identified ally activists of LGBTQ people have been a part of many movements that aim to improve the plight of LGBTQ people. This article explores the stories of three straight-identified ally activists as transformative learning experiences. Three individuals were selected from among a number of people interviewed because of their clarity and the variety of characteristics they represent. The study demonstrates the two-tiered nature of transformation nec-essary to becoming and being an ally activist. First, the individuals must become allies. Second, they must be moved to action in order to begin advocating for LGBTQ people