While the awareness about LGBTQ+ inclusion at the workspace has been growing in recent years, genuine change and inclusion need to happen at an individual level. On the company’s part, a safe and welcoming environment needs to be fostered for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Apart from the non-discrimination policy, what can you do at the individual level?
Here are some ways to be a supportive and inclusive colleague:
1) Educate yourself
The first step towards being an LGBTQ+ ally and advocate is to educate yourself about the experiences and challenges faced by these individuals both at the workplace and society at large.
How do you do it? Read books on this topic, follow the news and visit forums where LGBTQ+ people come forward to share their experiences. If you can find any training sessions or workshops, attend them. Take the time to learn about LGBTQ+ history, terminology, and issues.
2) Use inclusive language
Pay a little attention and you will realise that our everyday language is highly gendered. From addressing a crowd as “Hey Guys” irrespective of who is there in the audience to using “he” or “she” depending on how feminine or masculine the activity is, we tend to use gendered language for most of our communications.
Words we use have a powerful impact on us and others. So, we must attempt to use inclusive and gender-neutral language in the workplace. For example, instead of saying “he” or “she,” use “they” or the person’s name. Avoid making assumptions about someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation based on their appearance or behaviour.
3) Speak up against discrimination
Allyship is not just about having passive knowledge. It means speaking up when you notice exclusions, discrimination, or bias. It is natural to feel uncomfortable or even think that it is risky to take a stand, but this is what your LGBTQ+ colleagues need to not feel isolated or marginalised.
While it is essential to speak up, you still have the choice of how you do this. To go head to head with a person or to make a scene aren’t the only ways. Sometimes a polite reminder, a formal email or a private discussion with the person discriminating can be just as effective without creating a scene. When you step up and be a supportive ally, it can encourage others to do the same and help create safe spaces.
4) Start conversations and create safe environments
As an ally, you can help start conversations on various LQBTQ+ issues and create and sustain safe spaces to learn about their experiences. You can support their initiatives and celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. Support events like Pride, Transgender Day of Visibility or LGBTQ+ history month. Consider organising a guest speaker to talk about LGBTQ+ culture, history and achievements or attend events organised outside the workplace.
Building LGBTQ+ allyship at the workplace is an ongoing process that requires effort, education, and commitment. While these 4 steps are a good place to start, remember that allyship is not a one-time event. It’s a journey towards creating a more welcoming and accepting environment for everyone. Also, remember that you’re not doing anyone a favour, rather you are pushing for the creation of equal opportunity and support that everyone deserves!