6 Ways You Can Be An LGBTQIA+ Ally At Work?

Johanna Stacy, LMHCA (She, They)

The definition of an ally is “ a person who supports and/or accepts equal civil rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ social movements, challenging what they perceive as homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia.” We can all take some steps to continue to create an inclusive community in our workplace. Here are just a few:

1. Don’t assume, ask!

We cannot determine how someone identifies simply by looking at them. Always ask,if it is okay to ask, what pronouns they use. For example, you might say, “May I ask what pronouns you use?” Avoid asking what their preferred pronouns are because this can be harmful. Preferred assumes that someone has a choice, failing to affirm someone's identity and minimizing its value and meaning.

2. Share your pronouns

Normalize pronouns by stating yours. This fosters an inclusive and safe environment where others who don’t identify as cisgender or binary can feel welcome.

3. Take accountability

If you happen to misgender someone by mistake, take accountability by apologizing and immediately using the correct pronouns. Mistakes happen sometimes and if you are able to correct yourself in the moment it shows to others that you are working on improving and that you care. 

4. Avoid gendered language

Be mindful about how you address groups of people in meetings, emails, or in conversation. This can include things like “Hey ladies or hey guys.” This language dismisses how some may have different gender identity.  

5. Speak up

If you hear someone misgendering someone, gently and kindly correct them. Sometimes a person may burn out from being misgendered frequently and having colleagues that help keep each other accountable creates a safe and inclusive space. 

6. Educate yourself

Expand your knowledge by staying up to date with LGBTQ+ news, reading more LGBTQ+ literature, and asking questions.