The UK is one of the safest places for the LGBTQ+ community to live. However, discrimination in the workplace can still be an issue. A Trades Union Congress poll found that 1 in 5 companies do not have policies to support LGBTQ+ colleagues. International law firm White & Case asked their LGBTQ+ colleagues and friends for ideas on how allies can show their support for global Pride Month. Discover ways to show your support for LGBTQ+ colleagues as we summarise their ideas in this blog.
Ways to Show Your Support For LGBTQ+ Colleagues at Work This Pride Month and Beyond
- Be visible in your support.
Ideas on how to show your support in ways that can’t be missed include wearing an LGBTQ+ badge or lanyard. Additionally, change your screensaver or email signature to include an LGBTQ+ logo.
Turn up to support meetings to learn about the current issues to community faces.
Adding your pronouns to your email signature and social media accounts makes it easier for more colleagues to do the same.
- Be mindful of the language you use.
Use the correct pronouns when talking to or about a colleague. Use inclusive terms such as partner instead of husband or wife.
You can also switch to using the term ‘friends and guests’ instead of ‘ladies and gentlemen’.
- Educate yourself.
There are plenty of podcasts and social media accounts as well as books and news articles that will educate you on LGBTQ+ issues. Learn how they face discrimination in the workplace, as well as in all other areas of life.
- Take action.
If you witness homophobic, biphobic or transphobic behaviour at work, call it out. We can all make a difference to bringing about cultural change, just as we have with racist behaviour.
Showing your support by taking action outside of your workplace is always appreciated. This can be in the form of signing a petition, writing to your local MP, supporting an LGBTQ+ charity or celebrating the success of the community with your network.
Now that you have discovered some ways to show your support for LGBTQ+ colleagues at work this pride month and beyond, what actions will you be taking?
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