Reflecting on my journey as an LGBTQIA+ ally. A path from ignorance, fear and bias to one of authentic acceptance, compassion, advocacy, it’s been a long one.
A journey of learning and unlearning.
A journey of letting go of preconceived notions.
A journey of challenging my own biases.
A journey of making mistakes and seeking forgiveness.
This journey has transformed me into a lifelong ally.
It has taught me the importance of empathy, active listening, and standing up against discrimination. Being an ally has also changed me as a person to embrace vulnerability, making me step out of my comfort zone to advocate for true change, helping take my friends, family, organization and now my clients at Diversity Simplified along the journey of an LGBTQIA+ ally.
Having done this, here is what I believe an intentional authentic LGBTQIA+ ally should be -
A Shield - Protecting the rights and dignity of the LGBTQ+ community by standing up against discrimination and injustice whenever and wherever you see it. Ally Action - Speak out against homophobic or transphobic remarks, whether in personal conversations, at work, or online. Advocate for anti-discrimination policies within your organization and work towards making it happen.
A Shelter - Creating safe spaces where LGBTQIA+ feel respected and valued, ensuring that that everyone, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive. Ally Action - Advocate of inclusive practices in the workplace such as using correct pronouns, inclusive policies and benefits. Be part of LGBTQIA+ employee resource groups or help start one to encourage a culture of allyship and provide the community a platform to voice their concerns and needs.
A Mirror - Reflecting on my own biases and working to overcome them, understanding that self-awareness is crucial for authentic allyship. This also helps us confidently take others along that journey. Ally Action - Engage in regular self-reflection and seek feedback from the LGBTQIA+ community to understand areas where you can improve. Get reverse mentored, build a network of friends from the community and advocate for change in your circle of friends, family, teams and beyond. Participate in allyship workshops, share your own allyship journey and lived experience, help those early on the journey to better understand unconscious biases and how to address them.
An Activist - Fighting against injustice and discrimination in all its forms, recognizing that silence and inaction are complicit. Activism has brought about many positive changes in our society for the LGBTQIA+ community. Do it in your own actions, however small or big, it matters. Ally Action: Join and support advocacy groups that fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and participate in campaigns that promote equality. Volunteer your time or resources to organizations that provide support to LGBTQIA+ individuals.
A Catalyst - Amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices and advocating for representation, livelihood opportunities at work and beyond. Be part of groups that design and implement hiring, training, internship programs. As an ally, it's crucial to use your influence and resources to create pathways for success and visibility for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Ally Action: Collaborate and drive LGBTQIA+ mentorship programs, inclusive hiring practices, events and program sponsorships, pride month activities, training and educational programs, CSR and employee engagement activities.
A Guide - To the LGBTQIA+ As a guide to the LGBTQIA+ community, it's important to help them navigate the complexities of the workplace, ensuring they feel work ready, confident, supported, and empowered, especially if they are joining your org. or starting their careers. Ally Action: As an active ally you can start by being an authentic guide by helping them navigate workplace culture, networking and relationships, understanding policies and benefits. You can help them articulate their needs better, support in skill development etc.
Let’s all commit to being Shields, Shelters, Mirrors, Warriors, Catalysts, and Guides in our journey as LGBTQIA+ allies. By remaining committed, empathetic, and proactive, we can all contribute to having a society, workplace and community where LGBTQIA+ individuals feel respected, valued, and empowered to succeed.
