Embracing LGBTQ+ Allyship: Essential Components for Creating Inclusive Spaces

Now is the opportune time to progress beyond superficial forms of allyship and embark on tangible efforts toward establishing a more all-encompassing workplace and societal environment. Allies serve a critical function in promoting acceptance, comprehension, and empathy. By openly supporting the LGBTQ+ community, allies can effectively reduce the prevalence of stigma, stereotypes, and prejudice. Being an LGBTQ+ ally necessitates much more than merely exhibiting support during Pride month. It involves acknowledging and appreciating the innate worth and dignity of every individual, irrespective of their gender identity or sexual orientation. It is a pledge to uphold equality, justice, and human rights for all. 

Throughout history, LGBTQ+ individuals have been subjected to discrimination, marginalization, and unequal treatment. Being an ally entails advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all people, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. It contributes to the establishment of a more inclusive and equitable society, where individuals can live their most authentic lives free from fear of discrimination. Being an authentic ally to the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace involves actively supporting and advocating for the rights, dignity, and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals. 

Listen and Educate Yourself

Take the initiative to educate yourself about LGBTQ+ identities, experiences, and issues. Read books, articles, and reliable resources to understand the challenges faced by the community. Recognize that learning is an ongoing process, and be open to expanding your knowledge and understanding. Create space for open dialogue and listen to the experiences, concerns, and perspectives of LGBTQ+ colleagues. Be empathetic, validate their experiences, and avoid invalidating or dismissing their feelings. Show support and be willing to learn from their perspectives.

The more you know and the more conversations you have, the more understanding and visibility you will have about the issues that they still face. Develop your own understanding of how the world views and treats this community. In order to learn, you need to be willing to truly listen and do the work.

As you go on this journey of educating yourself about this community, self reflect. Engage in ongoing self-reflection to identify and challenge your own biases and prejudices. Be willing to learn, unlearn, and grow as an ally. Recognize that mistakes may happen, and be open to feedback from LGBTQ+ colleagues and community members when it is offered.

Use Inclusive Language

Familiarize yourself with appropriate LGBTQ+ terminology and use it respectfully. Use individuals' preferred pronouns and names, and avoid making assumptions about someone's gender identity or sexual orientation with gender-neutral language. 

Pronouns

Pronouns serve as a means to refer to a person after initially using their name. Accurately using pronouns is a fundamental act of respect that showcases one's understanding and acceptance of an individual's identity. You can ask if you are unsure of someone’s pronoun. For example, you could say “Hi, my name is Lauren. My pronouns are she/her/hers. What pronouns do you use?” By learning to use the correct pronouns without prompting, we can establish a culture that encourages people to express themselves and reflects our commitment to equality for all. Remember, if you're unsure, politely ask for clarification and use that information going forward.

In both professional and communal settings, using the appropriate pronouns is a basic form of respect and validation, similar to using a person's name when addressing them. Studies have found that affirming pronouns can help lower depression and raise self-esteem and well-being of an individual. That alone is reason enough to make the effort of asking for a person’s pronouns. 

Want a couple ways to promote inclusion through gender pronouns in the workplace setting? An easy way for companies or individuals to introduce pronouns into the workplace conversation is to include them in email signatures, LinkedIn, Slack, and Zoom. Within a company, this action serves as an internal reminder and builds awareness externally. If you're an individual whose company currently does not ask for people's gender pronouns, you can be the one to start the conversation.

Using the wrong gender pronouns or misgendering is a microaggression, even if someone didn't do it intentionally. In the event you accidentally use the wrong pronouns you can respond with an apology and correct yourself. Do not forget to center your apology around the person, rather than around your own perspective. 

Gender-neutral Language 

It's important to note that using gender-neutral language does not mean erasing or ignoring gender altogether. Rather, it acknowledges the complexity and diversity of gender identities and strives to be inclusive of everyone's experiences.

Traditional gendered language can reinforce stereotypes and societal norms, limiting people's choices and opportunities. Gender-neutral language challenges these stereotypes and allows for more diverse and authentic expressions of identity. Gender-neutral language promotes inclusivity by acknowledging and respecting individuals who do not identify within the traditional gender binary of male or female. It creates a more welcoming environment for people of all gender identities and expressions.Which helps avoid making assumptions about someone's gender identity based on their appearance or other factors. It allows individuals to express their gender identity on their own terms without feeling pressure to conform to societal expectations. The use of gender-neutral language also shows respect and dignity towards individuals who may not fit into traditional gender categories. It acknowledges their identity and affirms their existence without invalidating or erasing their experiences.

Use of language that promotes inclusive communication by ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their gender identity, feel seen, heard, and respected; helps create a more equitable and supportive environment where everyone's voices are valued. It is simple to incorporate in your vocabulary. For instance, instead of saying, “Hey, guys!” you can say, “Hey, all!” or “Hey, everyone!”. With minor adjustments in conversational skills can create a safe and inclusive workplace for all employees.

Support LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups

Explore advocating for the creation of an Employee Resource Group for LGBTQ+ employees, hiring an external coach to support your executive team in fostering a culture of belonging or even readjusting how many members of your executive team identify as LGBTQ+. The perspective of LGBTQ+ employees is needed and valuable, especially when decisions are many company wide that impact their careers. If your workplace has LGBTQ+ employee resource groups or affinity networks, actively support them. Attend meetings, events, and initiatives to demonstrate your commitment to allyship.

Create an Inclusive Environment

Actively contribute to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace environment for LGBTQ+ employees. This includes challenging homophobic, transphobic, or discriminatory language and behavior when you witness it. Use inclusive language in conversations, policies, and official communications to ensure everyone feels respected and included. Recognize and use your privilege to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals and advocate for their rights. Use your position of influence to support inclusive policies, benefits, and practices within your organization. Actively work towards dismantling systemic barriers that affect LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace.

To ensure a supportive workplace for LGBTQ+ individuals, it's crucial to speak out against discrimination and harassment, intervening when possible, and advocating for equal treatment and opportunities. Remember that being a true ally requires ongoing commitment, education, and active support both within and outside of the workplace, fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity for all. 

Let's hear from you! 

How will you commit to being an ally and actively supporting the LGBTQ+ community in your workplace and beyond?