Become an LGBTQIA+ ally
What is an LGBT+ ally?
An ally is someone who supports their LGBT+ colleagues, speaks out against discrimination and helps to promote an inclusive workplace where everyone is free to be their true selves.
As an ally, you don't need to have all the answers or be afraid of saying the wrong thing. You just need to be open to learning and show your support.
Pledge to become an ally
Pledging to be an ally gives a clear sign to your colleagues that you are committed to supporting them. Send your pledge using this short form.
Once you've done this, we will send you a badge so you can show other's that you are a proud ally.
We'll also sign you up to receive updates from the network and you can join our ally Teams page, a space where you can connect with other allies, share experiences and ask for advice.
Meetings are held once a month and are attended by staff from the LGBT+ network and their allies. There is also a Teams group you can join.
For example instead of 'hello ladies and gentleman' use 'everyone'.
Whilst we all want to stand up for our colleagues, sometimes it can be hard. We all worry about saying the wrong thing, being made fun of, or being incorrectly labelled. Research shows that when minority groups stand up for themselves it can be seen as rude or aggressive, but when our allies step in they are often seen as persuasive. So, if you see something, say something.
We cannot assume that the burden for educating allies lies with LGBTQ+ people themselves. Some are happy to explain about themselves, their sexualities and identities, but others want to focus on their work and maintain their privacy. There are many great resources around that allies can use to educate themselves, such as the books available at your local library, the internet or even the LGBTQIA+ employee network.
It is fine to make mistakes. Everyone does. But when we make mistakes, we need to allow ourselves to be accountable for them and listen to those we may have upset.
Inclusion is about more than just what an employee does during a routine workday. It is also about speaking their name when they are not around, sharing their career goals and empowering them to achieve them, speaking up for them but not over them, entrusting them and not objectifying them, and making sure they are represented in the room where the important decisions are made. Finally, it is also about setting bigger and bigger goals so that we are always making progress.
Show your support
You can also show your support by printing off a pledge card, writing a pledge and snapping a selfie to be part of our ally hall of fame on Flickr. Send your selfies to lgbt@lancashire.gov.uk,
By submitting your photo you are agreeing to your photo being uploaded to Flickr, and on occasion used on our intranet and Team Lancashire Facebook page.