Lesbian, gay and bisexual people make up 3.1% of workers in the UK and with over 250,000 people reporting that the gender they identify with is not the same as their birth gender in the last census, we are seeing a more true picture of how many people are LGBT+ in the UK. This is because the Office for National Statistics (ONS) began collecting sexual orientation and gender identity data in England and Wales the first time in The Census 2021. However, there is currently no reliable gender identity data available in Scotland and NI.).
But despite growing acceptance both at work and in our Communities, LGBT+ people are still more likely to be treated less favourably and subjected to discrimination, so there is still a long way to go.
An estimated 1 in 5 LGBT+ workers face discrimination, bullying and harassment at work simply because of their sexuality or gender identity. Further to this, an estimated 1 in 3 LGBT+ workers hide who they are due to fears of being discriminated against or treated differently.
While trade unions and the LGBT+ community are constantly fighting (and winning) for better rights for LGBT+ people, we cannot do it alone. This is why being an LGBT+ ally is so important.
The below guidance outlines the importance of allyship in the workplace, as well as ways you can be a better ally to improve the lives of your lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans colleagues.
To be an ally – it means you align with and support a group of people, as well as stand up for the equal and fair treatment of others. For example, a ‘straight ally’ is heterosexual person that supports the LGBT+ community and their right for equality.
Allies are some of the most powerful and effective voices that can create impactful change for LGBT+ people.
Statistics show that LGBT+ people are more likely to experience discrimination and our LGBT+ members regularly report experiencing the same issues at work, including:
- Verbal abuse and name calling.
- Jokes about their sexuality or gender identity.
- Being excluded by colleagues and employers.
- Being ‘ out’ed’ at work without their permission.
- Refused equal access to the same rights at their heterosexual colleagues.
- Having rumours spread about them.
- Physical violence.
- Sexual harassment.
All because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
By being an ally and supporting the LGBT+ community, you can help to raise awareness, end ignorance, stamp out discrimination and champion the rights of LGBT+ people – all of which will positively impact their daily lives.
When LGBT+ people know they have allies at work and when the organisation has strong diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) (usually referred to as EDI) policies are in place, they feel safer to be their authentic self.
There are several things you can do to be an LGBT+ ally inside and out of the workplace, this can include:
- Always be open to learning more, listening to the voices of LGBT+ people and be willing to educate yourself on the challenges they face.
- Don’t ask LGBT+ people intrusive questions.
- Get involved in the community.
- Ensure that the voices of your LGBT+ colleagues are the central focus when talking about their issues or the support they need.
- Promote LGBT+ friendly support days in the workplace, such as pride, IDAHOBIT, LGBT+ History Month or Trans Awareness Day.
- Be prepared to stand up against LGBT+ discrimination (if you feel safe to do so) or report it to your employer (it is their legal duty to stand up against discrimination), your rep or your trade union (us!).
- Educate yourself about the reporting processes at work, so that you know what to do if an LGBT+ colleague is being bullied, harassed, or discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Encourage colleagues and employers to be LGBT+ allies as well.
- Use gender pronouns in email signatures, this will support transgender, intersex and non-binary colleagues to feel more comfortable using their own pronouns at work.
- Support any LGBT+ colleagues with coming out at work if they want you to.
- Become a Community Equalities Rep to champion the rights of LGBT+ people in your workplace.
No one expects you to learn everything overnight – just the knowledge that you are there for support will make positive change.
If you need help or advice, please contact us at help@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
