A practical guide to being an ally in the workplace

Pride Month is a time to reflect on the progress made towards equality and inclusion for the LGBTQIA+ community, but also to acknowledge that there is still much work to be done. Despite the advancements, nearly half of LGBTQ workers have experienced workplace discrimination or harassment, and microaggressions are a common occurrence. Allies can play a crucial role in supporting the LGBTQIA+ community, and many Americans are already showing their support, with three-quarters of them backing policies that protect LGBTQ Americans from discrimination. Being an ally requires effort and education, and it's essential to understand the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and to create change in the workplace. To be a better ally, one can start by educating themselves about the community and its experiences, recognizing their privilege and using it to make a positive impact, and changing the culture by modeling inclusive behaviors and challenging microaggressions. Consistency is key to building trust and driving lasting change, and allies can make a difference by sharing opportunities, using inclusive language, and listening to members of the community. It's also important to challenge presumptions and social behaviors that can be exclusionary, such as assuming someone's gender or marital status. Additionally, allies should not be too hard on themselves if they make mistakes, but instead, learn from them and continue to show up and support the community. By taking these steps, allies can help create a more inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals, and ultimately, drive real change. Overall, allyship is about showing up, paying attention, and doing what one can consistently, and it's the small, everyday actions that add up to make a significant difference.