Being an authentic ally.

No one makes it on his/her/their own.

It’s impossible. It’s lonely.

Discrimination exists on the street, at the coffee machine (other beverages are available) and in people’s minds.

We all need someone in our corner, so let’s talk HOW TO become a more effective LGBTQ+ ally, from this moment on:

1. Be accepting – do you realise how that makes someone FEEL? To know that you genuinely accept them and welcome their authentic self into your team, your project, or your network. Let me tell – it means the world.
2. Show humility – some of us are born showboats and others can’t stand the thought of the river, that’s OK. Be humble about who you are, it lays the ground rules for everyone else in your sphere to reciprocate and that’s where you really start to win. We’re all humble, we’re all in the same place.
3. Consider your own biases and prejudices – find a thought partner to talk these through. Be open to feedback, be open to being respectfully challenged and most importantly, where you need to, be open to change and evolution.
4. Get and STAY educated, ask for guidance – there are endless resources (and zero excuses for a lack of understanding.) Once you’ve learned, make it a priority to continue that learning. Share it in ERG’s, All Hands Presentations, job interviews when you’re hiring, team building events and learning sessions. The work, like the learning is relentless and fundamental.
5. Know the challenges – this is mandatory. The challenges of being LGBTQ+ in any number of countries, go beyond verbal insults and threatening hate crimes, people are killed because of whose hand they hold. Yes, you read that correctly, in 2023.
6. Know that being an ally is about ACTION – we know in any situation in life, the way to effect change is to get involved and play a part in making a difference. When you’re an ally, it’s on you, but sitting on the side equates to zero excitement, am I right?
7. Care.

Check out, share, and DISCUSS this within your networks and teams. Be a part of making that difference. It matters.

It never mattered more.