History, Progress, and the Future of Allyship

History has taught us that real change does not come from division; it comes from diplomacy, strategy, and bringing people together. The freedoms many experience today were not won through ideological extremes but through engagement, persistence, and the ability to find common ground.

Reflecting on this important month, we must ask: What comes next?

Yes, there are still battles to be fought; there always will be when it comes to human rights and dignity. But the way we fight for change must evolve. If we allow conversations to become polarised, if we reinforce divisions rather than find solutions, we will not create progress; we will stall it.

Allyship must be a shared commitment, not a one-way expectation. If we want others to stand with us, we must also stand with them. Progress does not happen when groups isolate themselves; it happens when people come together to build a future where everyone is recognised for who they are and what they contribute, not just how they identify.

This is why organisations like Pride 365 are important. They are not about symbolic gestures; they focus on real, meaningful inclusion. Jack Meisel, the Chief Executive of Pride 365, has shown that progress is not about fitting into predefined categories, but about creating spaces where everyone can thrive. True inclusion does not come from echo chambers; it comes from engaging with different perspectives and driving real, lasting change.

But here is the real challenge: If we do not find ways to work together, if we continue allowing extremes to dominate the conversation, we will remain stuck in division.

So, as we celebrate history, let us also ask ourselves: What kind of future are we building?

• Can we move beyond division and focus on capability, character, and contribution?
• Can we embrace allyship as a two-way street, where support is mutual, not selective?
• Can we create progress through engagement and diplomacy, rather than through ideological conflict?

The past was about fighting for recognition. The future must be about fighting for unity. That is how we continue to evolve. And that is how we truly honour those who came before us.

Who will you stand with today?