Being an ally means standing in solidarity with someone impacted by an issue, regardless of whether or not it affects you. The term originated as a way to describe straight and cisgender supporters of the LGBTQ+ community but has expanded to include anyone who takes on another’s struggle as their own.
In 2018, mass shootings dominated the headlines, exposing many Americans to the harsh reality of gun violence and inspiring a new wave of allies dedicated to the cause. Teen Vogue spoke with seven gun-reform activists who have firsthand experience with gun violence about what being an ally means to them and how those not directly impacted by it can support victims, survivors, and their loved ones. Here’s what you need to know about them:
Jordan Gomes, 15, is a sophomore at Newtown High School in Newtown, Connecticut. When she was nine years old, she survived the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School that killed 28 of her classmates and teachers. Since then, Jordan has spoken at gun-violence prevention rallies, lobbied members of Congress for gun reform, and served on the Student Advisory Board of the National Student Gun Violence Summit.
[For more on this story by Sarah Emily Baum, go to https://www.teenvogue.com/stor...nce-want-you-to-know]
For another story on a similar topic, see GUN VIOLENCE SPREADS LIKE A CONTAGIOUS DISEASE. CAN SCHOOL SHOOTINGS BE CURED LIKE ONE?
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