Inclusion | Allyship in the workplace: how to be an active ally

Many of us like to think of ourselves as committed to supporting marginalised communities and believe we’re the kind of people who stand up for what’s right. We may think of ourselves as progressive and “not homophobic” or “not racist” and think that that’s enough to do meaningful good in the world.

Of course, that’s a fantastic start. However, simply ‘not having bad views’ or ‘not doing harm against others’ doesn’t do much to support members of the community who are subject to homophobia etc. Positive action needs to be taken to make a meaningful difference.

Does your belief translate into tangible action? Are there ways you could be more proactive? That’s where allyship comes in.

What is allyship?

Put simply, allyship is taking that good intention forward and translating it into real action. You may see yourself as not homophobic, but do you speak up when you hear another person speak or behave in a way that is homophobic or discriminatory to members of the LGBTQIA+ community? Allyship comes in many forms, from as little as saying “hold on, I find what you’re saying offensive” to a friend who has said something discriminatory, to campaigning for the rights of a marginalised community.