How to be an active LGBTQIA+ ally in the workplace and beyond

An ally to the LGBTQIA+ community doesn't just party alongside the floats at pride, but defends their queer family in those quiet moments when no one is watching: at the dinner table, inside conversations with colleagues, or in spaces where queer voices aren't heard. A true ally supports and uplifts those voices that say, "WE ARE HERE. WE ARE PROUD OF WHO WE ARE!'"

Allyship allows us to challenge skewed social norms and stereotypes and help organizations create a safe, thriving, and united culture for ALL employees. I believe it plays a significant role in promoting a path to a more inclusive and progressive workplace which would eventually translate into seamless collaboration and productivity."

At the end of the day—love. It’s that a person understands or tries to understand that we're all different and that it’s okay. Allyship doesn't have to mean that someone is invested in organization X or activity Y. An active ally is free of judgment. Allyship is about understanding and standing up when it's needed. It might not always be easy to change deeply held beliefs, but allyship is a choice—a choice for a more loving and inclusive world."

‘l am here’ is one of the most supportive statements that can be made around Pride. For some, allyship could look like wearing a rainbow flag or going to the Pride Parade to show support. For others, allyship might include writing an essay emphasizing the importance of preventing LGBTQIA+ members from being a direct target of physical or mental violence. Whatever the form of allyship is, we should be there to provide full-throttle support for the LGBTQIA+ community to prevent additional years of harassment and discrimination."

To me, what makes the world a beautiful place is the uniqueness that every person embodies. I do my best to support, champion, and value this uniqueness. Being an ally is important for building an environment where everyone feels comfortable being true to themselves. It is a right to be accepted as you are, not a privilege."

When my friend came out to me a couple of years ago, I knew I wanted to render support right away. Little things such as accompanying a loved one to their first pride parade carry more weight than one may realize. Work still needs to be done, and being an active ally will always be an ongoing journey for me. I'd like to continue educating myself over time in order to reflect and drive change."

Being an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community means opening yourself up to a wonderfully interesting life because you've chosen to surround yourself with people who have different lived experiences. Some of my closest, best friends in the entire world are queer, and I would be lost without their love and friendship. As much as I know they appreciate my vocal support on queer issues and elevating their stories, I deeply appreciate how rich their friendships have made my life."