Pride Month is a time to celebrate and honour the LGBTQIA+ community, their achievements, and their ongoing struggles. As a member of the community, or an ally, it’s important to show support, not only outside but also within the workplace. Being an ally in the workplace is essential to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. Leading by example is the best way to demonstrate and role model the behaviours you want to see within your team’s culture.
What does being an ally mean?
The first step to being an ally is to educate yourself on LGBTQIA+ issues, terminology, and experiences. This can involve reading articles, attending workshops or webinars, or simply having conversations with members of the community. It’s essential to understand that each person’s experience is unique and valid, and no two individuals have the same journey.
When LGBTQIA+ team members speak up about issues they face in the workplace, it is critical that leaders listen and support them. This can involve advocating for them, taking action when necessary, and ensuring that their voices are heard.
Being an ally in the workplace involves ongoing learning and growth. It’s important to stay up to date on LGBTQIA+ issues, educate others, and challenge stereotypes and prejudices whenever they arise. By continuing to learn and grow, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming workplace for everyone.
Showing your support during the month of World Pride
Displaying Pride symbols such as rainbow flags, banners, and posters around the workplace is a great way to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community in the month of World Pride. Additionally, incorporating Pride messaging into company communications, such as email signatures or social media posts, can help create a more welcoming and inclusive environment.
Hosting Pride events is another great way to show support. Consider organising a Pride event for your employees, such as a company-wide virtual Pride celebration, or participating in local Pride events? This can be a great way to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community and encourage employee engagement.
Another opportunity to make an impact is to donate to LGBTQIA+ causes. Research local or global LGBTQIA+ organisations or charities to monetarily support the community and make a positive impact. There are so many charities where you can show your support, but here’s just a few:
- Minus18
- Pride Foundation
- BlaQ
- LGBTQIA+ DV Awareness Foundation
- Equality Australia
- LGTBIQ+ Health
- Qlife
Providing LGBTQIA+ training is also important. Offering training to employees to help them better understand LGBTQIA+ issues, including the importance of creating an inclusive workplace, can help raise awareness and promote understanding among all employees.
Recognising and celebrating your LGBTQIA+ employees (with their consent) through employee spotlights, social media posts, or company-wide acknowledgments can help foster a sense of belonging and make LGBTQIA+ employees feel valued and supported.
Showing support for LGBTQIA+ people is not limited to just one month or a single celebration. As a leader in the workplace, it’s important to show support and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community all year round. This involves creating a workplace culture that is inclusive, accepting, and respectful of all employees. By incorporating inclusive language, providing resources and support, addressing discrimination, and celebrating LGBTQIA+ team members, you can make a positive impact and create a workplace that values and supports everyone.
