When taking action as an ally, their impact is individualistic – they perceive the issues of their loved one to have stemmed from the influence of a certain group of people rather than believing the issues to be symptomatic of a greater, oppressive system. These allies goals focus entirely on those they love. The first stage of allyship is rooted in self-interest. Sociologist Keith Edwards identifies three stages to the process of becoming an ally in a social movement. Members of the latter group would not feel forced to conform to the more socially conservatives mores of the former group, whilst they were able to separate themselves from elements of the gay subculture that they found crass, excessive, decadent or extreme.
The emergence of the Liberationists allowed for a wider spectrum of sexual-social behaviour & identity to be represented without compromise, and with less risk of infighting. The liberationists, who seemed to be drawing in members of such groups, filled this need. Unsurprisingly, the existence of such a group left room for a movement that was more sensitive to the struggles, needs and ultimate goals of more marginalised subcultures.
This assimilationist perspective held particular appeal with members of the community who were able to "blend in" with heterosexual society. Their group maintained an apologist standpoint, where their end goal was living in peaceful coexistence with the oppressor. In contrast, homophiles aimed only for what was deemed realistic instead of dismantling an oppressive system, they simply asked for tolerance. Liberationists presented themselves as being considerably radical their intent lay in going beyond acceptance and transforming traditional constructs of society (homophobia, sexism, militarism, etc.).
In the 1970s, a divide emerged within the community over opposing beliefs on what liberation truly meant: the 'liberationists' and the 'homophiles'. Protests, advocacy organizations, HIV/AIDS relief groups, etc., collectively have characterized the movement from the start. The Stonewall Riots of 1969 (in New York City) are known to be the starting point of the Gay Liberation Front. Over the years, GLAAD has expended their resources to provide change for LGBTQ+ members and allies. This movement was established by a group of reporters after an article talked down on HIV/AIDS. In 2007, the organization launched a new project, Straight for Equality to help more allies become engaged in the LGBT movement in the workplace, healthcare, and now in faith communities.
Based in the United States, PFLAG unites LGBT people with parents, families, and allies to gain full civil and legal equality for LGBT people. Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the original ally organization, started by Jeanne Manford, mother of the Ally movement. There are also some groups that unite the LGBT community to work together with allies. A gay–straight alliance (also known as a gender-sexuality alliance) is a student-run club that brings together LGBT and straight students to create a platform for activism to fight homophobia and transphobia. Most LGBT organizations have straight or cisgender members involved others actively encourage straight and cisgender participation. Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays march at an Australian Pride parade in 2011.