What Does it Mean to “Be an Ally” in the Workplace?
Being an ally is about acknowledging the role we all play in creating inclusive workplace environments.
A major challenge that many 2SLGBTQI+ individuals experience is stereotyping. Movies, TV shows and plays tend to exaggerate personality traits or qualities in 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, by displaying certain mannerisms, clothing, or physical characteristics. Another common stereotype occurs when one partner usually plays the masculine role and the other plays the feminine role. These stereotypes (which are also myths) help form the basis of our beliefs, and unfortunately may lead to heterosexism: the marginalization or oppression of people who are 2SLGBTQI+ based on the belief that heterosexuality is the norm.
In environments influenced by heterosexism and homophobia, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals may feel that they need to hide or deny who they are for fear of discrimination, or for their own safety. In order to foster inclusion, we must reject these myths and stereotypes, and practice being an ally.
What does it mean to be an ally?
Allies have a critical role to play in the workplace to help support 2SLGBTQI+ employees and act as a bridge to increase awareness and acceptance of 2SLGBTQI+ issues. It is an ongoing process of learning and self-reflection.
Being an ally means learning about your 2SLGBTQI+ colleagues experiences, which will allow you to build your own self-awareness of the obstacles they have faced.
Being an ally is about actively and consistently supporting, standing with and advocating for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. This means speaking up and taking action whenever a homophobic or heterosexist action occurs.
Become an Ally
A few suggestions to get you started:
- Adopt language that is inclusive, including using the appropriate pronouns (she/her/hers, he/him/his, and they/them/theirs).
- Add your pronouns to your email signature.
- Share your pronouns when introducing yourself to co-workers.
- Demonstrate support by participating in activities that celebrate the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
- Help build awareness in your organization through your communications.
- Recommend to your organization or department formalized training opportunities such as our Pride Workplace Training – Be an Ally! This program covers the history and issues the 2SLGBTQI+ community has experienced, the correct (and evolving language) to use, the principles around inclusivity and the skills involved in creating a more respectful, welcoming, and inclusive working environment.
In Closing
We each have a responsibility to learn, understand and self-reflect as we strive to positively transform our workplace into a respectful and inclusive environment where all employees with their diverse traits are accepted and thrive.
See our Pride Terminology blog and share both blogs with your workplace colleagues. The more we truly understand and appreciate the 2SLGBTQI+ community, the more respectful and inclusive our workplaces will be.
Download our course catalogue for a description all of our respectful workplace training programs.
