Supporting One's Community: Standing by Your Network
In the latest issue of Qzine, the focus is on empowering allies to make the workplace safer and more inclusive for all LGBTQ+ individuals. As educators and agents for change, allies play a crucial role in society, serving as voices, safe spaces, and empathetic ears for those who may feel marginalized.
The issue serves as a comprehensive guide for allies, outlining their role in fostering an inclusive environment. One key statistic that underscores the need for this guidance is that 50% of LGBTQ+ people are not out to their current supervisor. This means that many LGBTQ+ individuals are doing the work of living in secret and living in fear.
Effective ways for allies to create safer workplaces include cultivating a culture of respect through inclusive policies and training, visibly supporting LGBTQ+ identities, and fostering ongoing allyship and community building in the workplace.
One of the key strategies is implementing and updating inclusive Codes of Conduct that affirm dignity and respect for LGBTQ+ employees. This makes the workplace a safe environment where employees can bring their whole selves. Providing LGBTIQA+ awareness and allyship training for all employees, including front-facing staff, is another important step. This training aims to increase understanding and empower allies to champion inclusive policies.
Displaying visible symbols of support, such as rainbow flags, pins, or lanyards, can also help create a more inclusive environment. However, it's essential that these symbols are used when employees understand and actively uphold the organization's LGBTQ+ policies.
Creating informal support spaces and employee resource groups (ERGs) or forums for LGBTQ+ employees and allies to share experiences, build community, and reduce isolation is another effective strategy. Participating and acknowledging LGBTQ+ awareness events year-round, such as IDAHOBIT and Wear It Purple Day, can also promote psychological safety and sustain inclusivity beyond Pride Month.
Aligning workplace policies with legal protections like Title VII is crucial to ensure compliance and protect LGBTQ+ employees from discrimination and harassment. Supporting external LGBTQ+ causes and allowing volunteer or pro bono engagement demonstrates broader community support.
Engaging in continuous listening and education is also essential to improve allyship as an ongoing practice. This includes advocating for the needs of LGBTQ+ colleagues and adapting to evolving best practices.
The first Qzine issue focuses on the role of allies in creating inclusive workspaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. Allies can help normalize language and preferred pronouns in the workplace, call out anti-queer behavior, help speak out against lingering stereotypes, and help create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals at work.
However, it's important to note that establishing a diversity and inclusivity committee is not always sufficient for ensuring a safe and inclusive workspace for LGBTQ+ individuals. The fight for workplace inclusivity requires active and ongoing efforts from all members of the organization.
Altogether, these actions help create psychologically safe, affirming, and equitable workplaces where LGBTQ+ employees feel valued and empowered to thrive. Qzine aims to help people understand how they can support LGBTQ+ colleagues in this journey towards a more inclusive workplace.
