Allyship That Lasts All Year: How a Simple Greetings Card Can Show LGBTQIA+ People They're Loved
Bare CardsPride Month may only last one month, but being an ally is something you can choose every day of the year.
As the owner of Bare Cards, I'm often asked why we create such a wide range of LGBTQIA+ greetings cards. The answer is simple: everyone deserves to feel seen, celebrated and represented.
I know how difficult it can be to find the right words when someone you care about shares something deeply personal, celebrates an important milestone or simply deserves to know you're proud of them.
Sometimes we worry about saying the wrong thing.
Sometimes we overthink it.
Sometimes we stay silent because we don't know what to do.
But one thoughtful gesture can make all the difference.
A greetings card won't solve every problem, but it can say something incredibly powerful:
"I see you. I support you. I'm here for you."
Why This Matters to Me
I'm not part of the LGBTQIA+ community myself—I'm an ally.
When we launched Bare Cards, we quickly realised that many people simply couldn't find greetings cards that genuinely reflected their lives, relationships and identities. We listened to customers, friends, families and members of the LGBTQIA+ community who shared stories about searching for cards that either didn't exist or didn't feel right for the occasion.
Those conversations inspired us to create a growing collection of inclusive greetings cards that celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, coming out, transition milestones and many of life's other important moments.
I know I'll never stop learning, and I don't pretend to have all the answers. But I do believe one of the most meaningful things we can do as allies is to listen, learn and create space for everyone to feel seen, celebrated and valued.
That's why we're always asking for feedback. Many of our newest card designs begin with suggestions from the community itself through our collaboration with Swindon & Wiltshire Pride, and every conversation helps us build a more inclusive range for the future.
What Does It Mean to Be an Ally?
Being an ally isn't about having all the answers.
It's about listening, learning and standing beside LGBTQIA+ people with kindness, respect and compassion.
It means celebrating people's joys as well as supporting them through life's challenges.
It means using the name and pronouns someone asks you to use.
It means speaking up against discrimination when you see it.
And sometimes, it means sending a greetings card that lets someone know they're loved exactly as they are.
Allyship isn't measured by grand gestures. It's often the small, consistent acts of support that people remember most.
Why Representation Matters
For many years, greetings cards didn't reflect the diversity of the people buying and receiving them.
Birthday cards often assumed gender.
Anniversary cards assumed every couple was heterosexual.
Important milestones such as coming out or transitioning were rarely acknowledged at all.
Thankfully, that's changing.
Inclusive greetings cards allow people to celebrate relationships, identities and milestones in ways that feel genuine and affirming.
Everyone deserves to walk into a shop—or browse online—and find a card that feels like it was made for them.
Small Gestures Can Have a Big Impact
You don't have to wait for a major occasion to show someone you care.
A thoughtful card can mean the world if someone has:
- Come out as LGBTQIA+
- Shared their new name or pronouns
- Started their gender affirmation journey
- Had a difficult week
- Celebrated their first Pride
- Got engaged or married
- Marked an anniversary
- Celebrated a birthday
- Simply needed reminding that they're loved
Often, it's the unexpected cards that become treasured keepsakes.
Allies Deserve Celebrating Too
Allyship is built on listening, learning and showing up consistently. Many allies don't expect recognition—they simply want the people they care about to know they're loved, accepted and supported.
But if someone has stood beside you, respected your identity, celebrated your milestones or simply been there when you needed them most, why not let them know how much that support has meant?
Sometimes the most meaningful words are simply, "Thank you for always being there," or "Happy Birthday to an amazing ally."
That's why we've created two greetings cards that are still surprisingly rare within the greetings card industry: a Happy Birthday, Ally card and a Thank You, Ally card. They're designed for members of the LGBTQIA+ community who want to celebrate the friends, family members, teachers, colleagues or neighbours who have supported them with kindness, acceptance and unconditional encouragement.
Being an ally isn't about seeking recognition, but taking a moment to thank someone who has made you feel safe, valued and accepted can be a wonderful way to strengthen those relationships. We hope these cards help celebrate the incredible allies who quietly make a difference every single day.
You can explore our Happy Birthday, Ally card and our Thank You, Ally card to celebrate the allies who have made a positive difference in your life.
Choosing the Right Card
One question we hear regularly is:
"How do I choose the right LGBTQIA+ greetings card?"
The answer is surprisingly simple.
Think about the person, not the label.
Ask yourself:
- What are they celebrating?
- What would make them smile?
- Would they appreciate humour or something heartfelt?
- Is there wording that reflects how they identify?
- Does the message feel authentic?
The best card is one that makes someone feel recognised and appreciated.
What Should You Write?
Many allies worry about getting the wording wrong.
The good news is that sincerity matters far more than perfection.
Here are a few examples.
If someone has come out
"Thank you for trusting me. I'm so proud of you, and I'll always support you."
For a birthday
"Happy Birthday! I hope your year is filled with happiness, love and every opportunity to be your authentic self."
For a transition milestone
"Congratulations on this important step in your journey. Wishing you every happiness as you continue to become the person you've always known yourself to be."
For Pride
"Happy Pride! Today and every day, I celebrate you for exactly who you are."
Sometimes the simplest words are the most meaningful.
Why We Created Bare Cards
When we started Bare Cards, we wanted to create greetings cards that were kinder to both people and the planet.
That's why our collection includes a growing range of LGBTQIA+ greetings cards designed to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, coming out, transition milestones, engagements and many other occasions.
Every card is one of our patented self-sealing cards, removing the need for a separate envelope. Our innovative envelope free greetings cards help reduce unnecessary paper waste while making cards easier to send and display. Our design allows us to create fully-illustrated posting covers where we celebrate the Pride flag for the identity or sexuality of the greetings card enclosed - a unique and celebratory feature!
Printed on premium sustainable board, they're recyclable and designed to be eco-concious greetings cards that don't compromise on quality.
We believe thoughtful design should include both the people receiving the card and the world we all share.
Allyship Doesn't End When Pride Month Does
It's easy to celebrate during Pride Month, when rainbow flags fill our streets and social media feeds.
The real opportunity is showing up during the other eleven months of the year.
That's when a birthday card, a congratulations card or a simple message of encouragement can mean the most.
Being an ally isn't about making a statement once a year.
It's about making people feel valued every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be LGBTQIA+ to buy LGBTQIA+ greetings cards?
Not at all. Many of our customers are parents, grandparents, siblings, friends, colleagues and neighbours who simply want to show someone they care.
What if I'm worried about saying the wrong thing?
Kindness, respect and authenticity matter far more than finding the perfect words. If you're unsure, keep your message simple and heartfelt.
Are LGBTQIA+ greetings cards only for Pride Month?
No. They can be given throughout the year for birthdays, anniversaries, engagements, coming out, transition milestones or simply to let someone know they're loved.
Why choose Bare Cards?
Alongside our growing range of inclusive greetings cards, every Bare Card features our patented self-sealing design, eliminating the need for a separate envelope. Our envelope free greetings cards are fully recyclable, helping you celebrate life's special moments a little more sustainably.
We'd Love Your Ideas
As an ally, I know I'll never stop learning.
Listening to the LGBTQIA+ community has shaped many of the cards we've created, and your feedback continues to inspire new ideas.
Is there an occasion, relationship or milestone you wish greetings cards recognised better? Perhaps you've searched for a card that simply didn't exist.
If so, I'd genuinely love to hear from you.
Please get in touch by email or send us a message on Instagram (links below). Many of our most meaningful designs begin with conversations like these.
