The Importance of Straight Allies

Celina Gerbic, a member of Point's Board of Trustees, and her friend Lee Granados wrote an opinion piece for the Washington Blade titled "Straight ally: A label that’s sticking."

Point Trustee Celina Gerbic with her son Tristan and husband Joseph Caruso

“Having grown up in a world with a great deal of prejudice and a best friend who is gay (though he wasn’t saying that at the time — he was definitely not out), we recognize the need for straight allies. Whether you like having a label or not, it’s vital to stand up for what you believe in, and support people who should have the same rights as me and other straight people, but using the term “straight ally” goes beyond that and actually shows your support. Adding the term “ally” says so much. It says we support our friends, our colleagues, our community. It tells our children, and others, that we don’t want to just be on the sidelines, looking on, but rather, completely involved.”

Read the full opinion piece on the Washington Blade's web site.