BUILDING LGBTQ+ ALLYSHIP IN THE WORKPLACE: HOW TO BE A SUPPORTIVE AND INCLUSIVE COLLEAGUE

We are constantly facing changes, be it at home, in the workplace, or in any relationships. Sometimes the changes are so big that it shuts you inside your home for two years and sometimes, it’s just as simple as a meeting scheduled at the time you have allocated for breakfast. 

Change can be exciting, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. One important attribute we need to instil is to accept and adapt to the changes that are out of our control. This phrase, "It is what it is," may seem simple, but its power lies in its ability to help us let go of things we cannot change and focus on what we can control. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of accepting uncertainty and how it can help us thrive in the workplace and in life.

Educate yourself

The first step towards being an LGBTQ+ ally and advocate is to educate yourself about the experiences and challenges faced by these individuals both at the workplace and society at large. 

How do you do it? Read books on this topic, follow the news and visit forums where LGBTQ+ people come forward to share their experiences. If you can find any training sessions or workshops, attend them. Take the time to learn about LGBTQ+ history, terminology, and issues.

Use inclusive language

Pay a little attention and you will realise that our everyday language is highly gendered. From addressing a crowd as “Hey Guys” irrespective of who is there in the audience to using “he” or “she” depending on how feminine or masculine the activity is, we tend to use gendered language for most of our communications. 

Words we use have a powerful impact on us and others. So, we must attempt to use inclusive and gender-neutral language in the workplace. For example, instead of saying “he” or “she,” use “they” or the person’s name. Avoid making assumptions about someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation based on their appearance or behavior's.

Speak up against discrimination

Allyship is not just about having passive knowledge. It means speaking up when you notice exclusions, discrimination, or bias. It is natural to feel uncomfortable or even think that it is risky to take a stand, but this is what your LGBTQ+ colleagues need to not feel isolated or marginalised. While it is essential to speak up, you still have the choice of how you do this. To go head to head with a person or to make a scene aren’t the only ways. Sometimes a polite reminder, a formal email or a private discussion with the person discriminating can be just as effective without creating a scene. When you step up and be a supportive ally, it can encourage others to do the same and help create safe spaces

Start conversations and create safe environments

As an ally, you can help start conversations on various LQBTQ+ issues and create and sustain safe spaces to learn about their experiences. You can support their initiatives and celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Support events like Pride, Transgender Day of Visibility or LGBTQ+ history month. Consider organising a guest speaker to talk about LGBTQ+ culture, history and achievements or attend events organised outside the workplace.

Building LGBTQ+ allyship at the workplace is an ongoing process that requires effort, education, and commitment. While these 4 steps are a good place to start, remember that allyship is not a one-time event. It’s a journey towards creating a more welcoming and accepting environment for everyone. Also, remember that you’re not doing anyone a favour, rather you are pushing for the creation of equal opportunity and support that everyone deserves! .

Author: Nivetha Kannan

Nivetha writes blogs on mental health and wellbeing topics for Silver Oak Health. She is a professional content writer and is passionate about the field of psychology & personal development. She writes impactful content that brings positive changes in people. Her mantra for life is to ‘be curious, and not judgemental’.