As somebody who isn’t LGBTQ+ working for a charity like Diversity Role Models, I used to worry about how – or even if - my voice fits into the work that they do. I’ve never had to come out. I’ve never felt unsafe holding hands with a partner in public. I’ve never worried that who I am might make me a target in school, at work, or even at home.
But I’ve listened to people who have, and that’s why I know allyship is not optional.
At Diversity Role Models, I work behind the scenes to support our incredible LGBTQ+ Role Models and staff who go into schools and share their stories with young people. If you’re a volunteer, school partner or donor, you might have seen my name in an email to you over the past few years. I’ve also been privileged to lead and participate in our workshops, watching students shift from unengaged or sometimes even disrespectful to engaged, active, true allies. That is the power of the work Diversity Role Models does and the power of visibility.
The work that Diversity Role Models does extends so much further than raising awareness on discrimination. It builds empathy and creates safer schools (just take a look at our impact report for amazing stats on this!). It shapes more confident teachers and more inclusive classrooms. As an ex-primary school teacher myself, I have seen firsthand the impact bullying can have on young people. And as someone who was also bullied in school, albeit not for my identity, I know how the impacts can last a lifetime.
Allyship for me is not about taking up space, it's about protecting it. This can look like amplifying voices and stories, funding organisations that support LGBTQ+ inclusion and defending it whenever and wherever I can. Right now, more than ever, we need active allies supporting organisations like Diversity Role Models to help protect young people growing up who, right now, are having their own identities debated in parliament.
Allyship can look like:
- Calling out homophobic, biphobic or transphobic language (or any language that is prejudice-based or offensive)
- Creating and protecting space for LGBTQ+ voices wherever you can
- Donating time, energy and resources where you are able
- Continuing to learn and educate yourself. Allyship isn’t a badge; it's an action, and it is our responsibility to educate ourselves, not those within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Speaking to your place of work about inclusion training. This is something everyone should be advocating for, not just LGBTQ+ Networks or DEI Leads!
This Pride Month, I’m reminded that my job is not to lead the conversation, but to support the people who risk so much just by showing up as themselves. Being an ally is a verb, not a noun, so it requires constant work. To paraphrase Angela Davis, it’s not enough to avoid homophobic/transphobic language; we must be actively anti-homophobic/transphobic.
So no, allyship isn’t about me, but it is absolutely my responsibility.
And if you’re someone who isn’t LGBTQ+, but believes every young person deserves to feel safe, seen and respected, it is yours too.
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