Panel 1
(Narrator waves.)
Narrator: Hey folks! I’m here to tell you why I’m not an ally—
Panel 2
(Stick Figure pops its head into the panel.)
Stick Figure: Whaddya mean you aren’t an ally?
Narrator: No, I don’t think so because—
Panel 3
(Angry, Stick Figure points accusingly at double-taking narrator.)
Stick Figure: How can you not be an ally? I’m an ally!
Narrator: Well, hang on, I got a comic going—
Panel 4
(Stick Figure gestures at T-shirt its wearing, while Narrator grabs something off-panel.)
Stick Figure: See, I have a T-shirt that says so!
Narrator: What a coincidence! So do I!
Panel 5
(Narrator is wearing a new T-shirt that says “Ally in Training” while taking a triumphant stance.)
Narrator: I’m not an ally, but an ally in training!
Panel 6
(Stick Figure looks at Narrator confused.)
Stick Figure: Wait, does that mean that you were naked before this?
Narrator: Not the point. Stay focused.
Panel 7
(Narrator looks questioningly at Stick Figure.)
Narrator: First of all, can you tell me what an ally is?
Stick Figure: Of course I can!
Panel 8
(Stick Figure is looking preachy with its eyes closed, pointing upwards at a word balloon. The word balloon has taken on the appearance of a dictionary page.)
Stick Figure: Ally (a-ˌlī\) noun, verb: a person who fights for the equality of a marginalized group that they are not a part of – aka me.
Panel 9
(Narrator reaches into Stick Figure’s previous word balloon, grabbing at something.)
Narrator: Righto, but the most important part is here!
Panel 10
(Narrator is shown holding on to the word verb, stolen from the previous word balloon. Narrator is smiling. Stick Figure looks confused.)
Stick Figure: The “verb” part? You’re joking.
Narrator: Nope!
Panel 11
(Narrator continues to smile, while Stick Figure continues to look doubtful)
Narrator: Being an ally isn’t just an identity. It’s something you have to actively work at. Here’s how to be an ally.
Text: How to Be an Ally in Training
(Tiny illustrations mirror each numbered description in the comic):
- Understanding Your Privilege: Know that there are some things you’ll never experience or have to think about.
- Listening: Listen to what marginalized groups are saying. Educate yourself and become a better ally.
- Speak Up, Not Over: Use your privilege to support others, but make sure to do it in a way that doesn’t talk over those you are trying to support.
- Mistakes Happen: Sometimes you fuck up. Apologize when you do, and make it a learning experience for next time.
Panel 12
(Narrator is writing “In Training” on Stick Figure’s shirt, while Stick Figure holds its shirt out to be written on.)
Narrator: Saying I’m an “ally in training” reminds me that being an ally isn’t passive. It’s something that I need to constantly work at and educate myself on.
Panel 13
(Narrator caps their marker, and points below, while Stick Figure peers over the bottom edge of the panel.)
Narrator: So educate yourself! Check out the articles below for more info – and remember that being a human is always a work in progress.
Panel 14
(Both characters are in the same pose as the last panel, but Stick Figure is looking up at Narrator.)
Stick Figure: But seriously, are we naked when we’re not wearing these shirts?