Former NBA player Charles Barkley made a statement while visiting Harvey Casino in Lake Tahoe, Nevada, in support of LGBTQ+ people. In a video posted to Tik Tok, he stated: “I want to say this: If you’re gay and transgender, I love you! Hey and if anybody give you s**t, you tell them Charles said ‘F**k you!'” The very short, but poignant, soundbite has since gone viral with many praising Barkley’s comments, especially during a political climate that continues to take away the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Barkley’s comments come as a pleasant gesture to many LGBTQ+ folks, and is a great example of how one can use their privilege—even when facing his own discrimination as a Black man—to advocate for others who face layered oppression. To be clear, I try not use the word “ally” when discussing these topics. For many, the term “ally” often alludes to an alliance that is mutually beneficial. I much more prefer the term “advocate,” which helps ensures that the group being oppressed stays at...
