How to be an LGBTQIA+ ally at work

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 LGBTQIA+ community and their right for equality.

Allies are some of the most powerful and effective voices that can create impactful change for LGBTQIA+ people.

Statistics show that LGBTQIA+ people are more likely to experience discrimination and our LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+ community, you can help to raise awareness, end ignorance, stamp out discrimination and champion the rights of LGBTQIA+ people – all of which will positively impact their daily lives.

When LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+ ally inside and out of the workplace, this can include:

• Always be open to learning more, listening to the voices of LGBTQIA+ people and be willing to educate yourself on the challenges they face.
• Don’t ask LGBTQIA+ people intrusive questions.
• Get involved in the community.
• Ensure that the voices of your LGBTQIA+ colleagues are the central focus when talking about their issues or the support they need.
• Promote LGBTQIA+ friendly support days in the workplace, such as pride, IDAHOBIT, LGBT+ History Month or Trans Awareness Day.
• Be prepared to stand up against LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+ colleague is being bullied, harassed, or discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Encourage colleagues and employers to be LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTQIA+ colleagues with coming out at work if they want you to.
• Become a Community Equalities Rep to champion the rights of LGBTQIA+ 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.