2020-June-01

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LGBT+ Allies Wanted

BY SARA NOWAK · ANALYST, BUSINESS OPERATIONS · POLAND

Tons of glitter, balloons, colorful parades, floats playing techno music, picnics, jolly festivals, dancing in the street, rainbows everywhere you turn. These all come to mind when we think about June’s LGBT+ Pride Month.

But what does it actually look like to be an ally every month — specifically, in the workplace?

First of all, what does it even mean to be an LGBT+ ally?

The Human Rights Campaign defines an ally as a person who is not LGBT+ but shows support for LGBT+ people and promotes equality in a variety of ways.

(But don’t take my word for it, just ask Kelly Kramer.)

This definition is universal. Anyone can be an ally!

Allies can support various people in underrepresented groups. In this case, a straight ally this person doesn’t belong to the LGBT+ community, but stands up for the rights of the group. They fight shoulder to shoulder for equality.

The main outcome of such alliance is making LGBT+ people feel valued and comfortable with themselves.

It’s that easy-peasy?

LGBT+ people are everywhere. They are our friends, family members, colleagues, classmates, teachers, bosses, and neighbors. You can be an ally anywhere.

Why is allyship so important?

LGBT+ people need straight allies, just as and straight allies need LGBT+ people.

People in groups that are systematically bombarded by unfair treatment, hostility, violence, or other forms of discrimination need support from people who are not targeted in the same ways—allies.

They can’t fight for equality on their own. Allies give the LGBT+ movement power. Together they have more chance to succeed. This works as a mutual benefit.

As a straight ally you have a chance to:

Understand the importance of inclusion and why it matters. We’re all affected when any one person or group can’t get a fair deal or live a decent life.
Expand your LGBT+ relationships, without constraints
Understand & value every person's capabilities, contributions, and commitment
Do the right thing. Being an ally is simply the right to do.

Sara with Cisco PRIDE ERO swag.

How can I show up as an ally at work?

How do you show up at work? Are you your full self? Let LGBT+ people be who they are.

Maybe it’s your rainbow camera cover or coffee mug that connects you with LGBT+ community.

How do you express yourself on video calls? Even when working from home, you can identify as an LGBT+ ally on Webex. We can ask questions that our thoughtful, purposeful, and open-ended. “How are you today?”

Being an ally is all about giving people both the space to speak up and share and having their back on group calls. Don’t be afraid of the words “gay,” “lesbian”, “transsexual”, “queer”, or “bisexual.”

Keep in mind all of the things we have in common. Together, our differences make us stronger.

Looking for next steps?

Be sure to join the Global Cisco PRIDE events next month, visit the PRIDE ERO homepage, take a free allyship training, and check out the other resources in related links.

What have allies in the workplace meant to you? How have you taken action to be a better ally at work? Share in the comments below.