June is Pride Month, a time dedicated to uplifting the voices, celebrating the culture, and supporting the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is also a reminder to allies who play a role in LGBTQIA+ workplace advocacy throughout the year.
An ally supports and educates themselves about and advocates for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for everyone.
Listed below are ways allies can take action beyond Pride Month:
1. Educate
Work to educate yourself about LGBTQIA+ issues, terminology, and experiences, including learning about challenges within the workplace and staying updated on relevant policies and legislation.
2. Foster Inclusive Policies
Advocate for inclusive policies within your organization, including non-discrimination policies that explicitly protect LGBTQIA+ employees.
3. Speak Up
Allies play a key role in amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA+ individuals and advocating for their concerns. When witnessing or hearing about discrimination or harassment, speak up and support those affected. This can involve reporting incidents, addressing biases, or confronting inappropriate language or behavior.
4. Use Correct Pronouns and Names
Respecting an individual’s gender identity demonstrates respect and validates their identity. An additional step you can take is to add your pronouns to your email signature. That way you are also expressing how you would like to be addressed.
5. Support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
If available, join an inclusion-focused ERG within your company and actively participate.
*We are happy to announce that our Pride and Allies ERG launched this month, with one of our goals being to provide a safe space for employees to bring their authentic selves to work.
6. Be a Mentor
Allies can mentor LGBTQIA+ employees, providing guidance, support, and advocacy within the organization. This includes helping with career navigation, overcoming challenges, and accessing opportunities for upskilling and advancement.
7. Advocate for Training and Awareness
Allies can encourage their organizations to provide diversity and inclusion training to increase awareness, reduce bias, and promote a more inclusive working environment.
8. Use Your Privilege
Allies should recognize and leverage their privilege to create positive change, using their influence to challenge discriminatory practices, advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation in leadership roles, and support policies that support diversity and inclusion.
Taking action beyond Pride Month is essential for creating lasting change and fostering a truly inclusive workplace. Allies have the power to make a signification impact by actively supporting and advocating for LGBTQIA+ colleagues throughout the year.
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