By creating environments that offer the opportunity for each of us to truly and wholly express our individuality, we offer the space for creativity, collaboration and connectedness to thrive.ec.
There are a number of ways we can start impacting our world. One of these is by building internal affiliate or employee networks that look at all the main pillars of diversity. These networks need to start playing a bigger part and start influencing up.
When the communities and allies within these networks start holding their leaders accountable, and start demanding for changes in policy and attitudes and ways of being, this ripple effect is felt by all. And let us not forget the important role of allies across all pillars of diversity
The business community has risen to become one of the most vocal and powerful advocates for equality. Senior leaders recognize that diverse workplaces which encourage everyone to contribute their full potential, unencumbered by fears of discrimination, are proven leaders in innovation, retention, and performance.
So what does it mean to be an ally? Particularly to the queer community?
In this instance, an ally is someone who advocates for and supports the human rights of sexual- and gender-minority people by challenging discrimination and heterosexism.
Heterosexism is prejudice or discrimination against someone who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual orientation or gender.
Some ways that you can show up as an ally are by:
- Be inclusive and invite LGBT+ friends to hang out with your friends and family.
- Don’t assume that all your friends and co-workers are straight. Someone close to you could be looking for support in their coming-out process. Not making assumptions will give them the space they need.
- Anti-LGBT+ comments and jokes are harmful. Let your friends, family and co-workers know that you find them offensive.
- Confront your own prejudices and bias, even if it is uncomfortable to do so.
- Defend your LGBT+ friends against discrimination.
- Believe that all people, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation, should be treated with dignity and respect.
- Feel free to ask someone about the pronouns they might prefer to use. Think of it as an invitation to a conversation
- Allow people to tell their stories and listen- you might learn more about them – and yourself.
And remember that as much as the queer community needs allies, so too do women need men, persons with disabilities need able bodied people, and people of different races, religions and languages need people of differing races, religions and languages to stand up in support of them.
It is time we start having real and meaningful and often difficult conversations to learn more about each other to find ways that will contribute to more harmonious work environments and allow all people from marginalisedcommunities to start bringing.
We all have a role to play- in our families, social circles, workplaces and communities. And it is only when we share and connect and take ownership of our own part in driving change, that we discover new ways to move mountains and give voice to the voiceless. It is time to lead with love and start healing.