Being an Ally - Pride Month

Being an Ally?

by Attaullah Shah?

The world consists of different languages, cultures, expressions, and experiences. This can affect the lifestyle of people living in diverse environments, and this can have a further impact every day on their opinions on various issues, including food, sports, and personalities that create social identities. Through an intersectional lens, a person’s sex, colour and sexuality can create a unique experience for them in society.??

What does “marginalised group” mean??

In our conversations with different people from marginalised groups, Waqar Younis, a Disability Advisor at BPP University, who is also part of the LGBTQ+ community, defines “marginalised groups as a group which has been pushed aside in society and are still fighting for equal rights and equal treatment”.?

What is an ally??

An ally is a person who practices emphasising social justice, inclusion, and human rights to support the interests of marginalised groups. A person does not have to be LGBTQ+ to become an ally.?

An ally is often defined as someone who is not a marginalised group member but would like to support and help others in that group.?

?How to Become an Ally??

There are no set guidelines when becoming an ally, however, it is important to consider the following:?

1. Advocating for the marginalised group.?
2. Listening to the marginalised group’s experiences.?
3. Attending events with marginalised groups.?
4. Invite someone from the marginalised group to speak and share their experience.?
5. Respect their pronouns.?

These are just small steps to take that would create a positive impact on the lives of marginalised groups and connect them to the society and world at large as an inclusive community.??

Being an ally at BPP University Students’ Association?

At the BPP Students' Association, our team is incredibly diverse in terms of race, gender, and sexual orientation. Our primary focus remains on our students; we view them as partners in our efforts. Our core value is to always be an ally.?

At the Students’ Association, we carry all cultures, faiths and communities together by organising and celebrating the events with them. For Pride Month, BPP Students’ Association will produce a Podcast which aims to provide a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals to share their experiences and perceptions. This will also educate those who may not be aware of how to be an ally.?

Further, we are celebrating the month of June as Pride Month at all BPP centres with our students and staff with fantastic events. We will advertise our upcoming events on the Virtual Campus and on social media, so look out for these.?

Lastly, we are committed to our values and goals to support our students during their time at BPP University and as such, we are acutely aware that there is still a long way to go in reaching our goals; but the steps we are taking are evidence of our commitment to our students and our values.?

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