5 Ways to Be An Ally For LGBTQIA+ Employees

Every year queer people and allies of the community come together to recognise the movement. And the history that played a role in defining where we’re at today.

But with the sea of rainbow logos and social media posts, it is important to highlight the ways in which we can authentically show up for the queer community within the workplace and beyond.

Pride is more than parades and parties, it is a movement that continues to fight for the liberation and representation of queer people.

Why We Recognise Pride Month

Pride Month is an annual event commemorating the Stonewall Riots that took place in New York City on June 27th 1969 (1). Stonewall is a notable event as it sparked social change. It drew light to the injustice that has been around for centuries and continues to persist.

Pride month reflects the anniversary of these riots which took place after police routinely stormed gay bars in New York.

The Stonewall Inn is the name of the bar where the fightback began. Fed up with harassment and persecution, the queer community fought against the police. Author Mathew Todd called it “an explosion of optimism and energy that sent such a bright flare high above Greenwich Village, it became a beacon for people all over the world” (2).

Yet the journey to liberation is ongoing. Especially for black and brown queer people, where injustice continues to impact their safety.

What does LGBTQIA+ stand for?

LGBTQIA+ represent people’s sexual orientation and gender identity. The abbreviation stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual. The “plus” look to include other members of the queer community whose identity isn’t reflected in these letters (3).

It is important to acknowledge this abbreviation and the different gender and sexual identities. As part of showing up and being an ally, this is something to share and educate team members about

How to Be An Ally in the Workplace

Showing up authentically as an ally is vital in supporting the Pride movement and LGBTQIA+ members. Being an ally strengthens the bond between communities and supports the common goal of equality, equity and liberation.

76% of workers say that their employer does not offer an employee resource or support group for LGBTQ+ employees. So here we have suggested 5 ways to be an ally in the workplace so we can create real change (5).

Pronouns

By sharing your pronouns in-person and online you are demonstrating that you are aware and it helps to create a safe space for someone else to share. Add yours to your email signature or Slack and tell people of your own. But remember, it is okay if you or someone else is not comfortable sharing pronouns, boundaries should always be respected (4)

Education

Pride month serves as a great reminder to educate yourself and your team about LGBTQIA+ issues,  allyship, and important events such as the Stonewall Riots. Training courses, LGBTQIA+ speakers and events should be a part of a widespread effort, not just during Pride.

Activism

Employee activism is on the rise and this is your chance to show your support as a team. You could offer charity days off and amplify queer organisations through fundraising, pro bono work and activism.

Create Dialogue + Address Challenges

It is important to show up and create a dialogue around diversity and inclusion. Talk to employees within the community or create anonymous surveys to offer a safe space for feedback. Learn what your company can be doing better and how you can serve the community.

Update Your Employee Handbook

Including the feedback and the challenges noted by employees and LGBTQIA+ members. Ensure that your company legislation and employee handbooks are up to date. Reference sexual orientation and inclusion of all chosen genders and pronouns within anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies (5).

At Each Person, we continue to champion LGBTQIA+ rights and the Pride movement. We understand that building a supportive, safe space for our employees is essential. And naturally employee wellbeing is at the heart of our business. 

Our Customer Success Manager Tom said, "As a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, at Each Person, I have felt very welcome from day one. I feel that Each Person has always treated me equally and has supported my needs, as well as always taking my wellbeing seriously.".

Building a work environment and company culture that genuinely reflects our values has been another way we have ingrained allyship into the business. Our PR & Marketing Coordinator, Alex says "All of my colleagues at Each Person have always been extremely welcoming and supportive of me, regardless of my sexuality, and I feel like a truly valued member of the team. 

The environment is built on positivity and confidence which allows me to feel comfortable being me. Each Person genuinely considers my wellbeing and I am grateful for the care shown by my coworkers.".

Want to learn how our values can help impact your own company culture? To find out more, visit us at www.eachperson.com today! 

Sources:

1. Pride on Social Media - Later  - https://later.com/blog/pride-campaign-on-social-media/ 
2. Stonewall Riots - BBC - https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20190625-stonewall-riots-the-beacon-for-people-around-the-world 
3. Defining LGBTQIA+ - Gay Centre - https://gaycenter.org/about/lgbtq/ 
4. Understanding Pronouns - LGBT Lifecentre https://lgbtlifecenter.org/pronouns/ 
5. Support LGBT colleagues - Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2023/06/04/10-ways-to-support-lgbtq-colleagues-during-junes-pride-month-and-beyond/

Written by Ellie Pinder, published June 2023

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Explore more top tips on how to become an LGBTQ+ friendly workplace here!