You Might Like
I’m coming out… as an ally
The term straight ally can encompass a whole spectrum of activism, but most importantly a straight ally recognizes the fact that it is not the sole responsibility of LGBTI individuals to create an inclusive culture.
Many straight celebrities have found ways to publicly show their support, most recently Bruce Springsteen and Bryan Adams both in the same week cancelling their shows in protest to the anti-LGBT laws passed.
Stars such as Charlize Theron and Lena Dunham both stating they wouldn’t want to marry until gay marriage was legal and Brad Pitt donating $100,000 to the fight against Proposition 8.
Strong LGBT rights advocates Daniel Radcliffe and Lorraine Kelly were celebrated as joint winners of Celebrity Straight Ally of the Year at the 2015 British LGBT Awards and Eddie Redmayne recently made waves playing Lili Elbe in the Danish Girl. Furthermore, who doesn’t envy the friendship and antics of Sirs’ Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen!
However, those of us without star status can often underestimate the massive impact we can have by just being a visible ally in our day-to-day lives. To create an inclusive workplace, the engagement and support not only of straight family or friends but also straight colleagues has to be present.
‘Those of us without star status can often underestimate the massive impact we can have by just being a visible ally’
Personally, I have been overwhelmed by the welcome of my LGBTI colleagues and working alongside the Respect steering group has been an amazing and eye-opening experience.
Above all I’ve learnt that a respectful, open and inclusive working environment benefits everyone. I had not realized the extent to which some felt they were not able to bring their whole selves to work, that the Monday morning inevitable ‘what did you get up to at the weekend?’ could fill someone with dread, and the barriers this caused in creating relationships with colleagues.
I recently got the chance to go to the 2016 Stonewall conference. Whilst there I felt an overwhelming sense of community and positivity: another big eye opener in my ally journey.
In one session a speaker highlighted how coming out to a colleague had become a catalyst for others to be open about their own lives and ask for support if needed.
‘Having the support there if we want it is essential!’
Stonewall research has shown that 45% of straight white men feel the need to cover about something in work. I’ve learnt that by having an inclusive, open workplace culture about LGBTI issues can open the doors for everyone to feel more comfortable within themselves, whether this is to do with disability, personal relationships, cultural identity or even work load.
Not that we have to constantly spill our inner secrets to our work colleagues, but having the support there if we want it is essential!
As an ally, I can appreciate the gift of every person and use the power I have as an individual to hold colleagues to account, keep up to date with current issues, attend or support Pride events as well as be myself.
So thank you to the LGBTI community for teaching me these valuable lessons, that I do have a voice and can positively influence the world around me: Paula Barclay, straight ally
For further info, both Stonewall and PFLAG have great guides on being a straight ally.
The Co-op will be hosting a panel discussion on loneliness and social isolation as part of the Digital Pride festival, with guest speaker Vicky Beeching.
Paula Barclay
The post I’m coming out… as an ally appeared first on Gay Star News.
www.gaystarnews.com/article/coming-out-straight-ally/
You Might Like
