Savania (Sav) China – our Head of Inclusion and Involvement – has spent many years thinking, writing and talking about Equity, Diversity and Belonging (EDB).

He has written on and takes a great interest in corporate social responsibility and social and environmental justice. As our Head of Inclusion, Sav is ensuring we can follow and build upon our EDB Strategy, establish a culture based on strong EDB foundations and do all this through practical solutions.

EDB may have its detractors, but it is a societal imperative, and governments and corporations owe everyone the right to equity in opportunities and outcomes.

Sav has written a short blog for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month on effective allyship and the power of engagement, action and eventual habit forming.

Practicing allyship to the LGBTQIA+ community

As Pride Month approaches, I have been reflecting on what it means for me to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. I dug up an article I wrote a few years back, and I believe the keys to allyship I proposed then are still relevant today.

In the article, I outlined that allyship has always meant keeping my antenna up and being prepared to observe, listen, acknowledge, learn, empathise, engage, challenge and educate. I will briefly explain what I meant by each point.

Observe: 

Observation is about noting how people like me treat those we deem different. The observation has to be intentional. Notice how people respond, react or act towards someone in the LGBTQIA+ community. By doing so, you'll be tuned in and may start noticing some micro-behaviours that may not have been obvious in others or yourself.

Listen: 

This is about really listening to the stories and lived experiences of colleagues in the LGBTQIA+ community. Listen without judgment and without overlaying, juxtaposing or mirroring others' realities with your own beliefs or lived experiences.

Acknowledge: 

Acknowledge that bias exists and that you can't experience someone else's reality as if it's your own. Just because you don't see, do, experience or hear about something – it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. It's even better if you can make a public acknowledgement. Acknowledge your own ignorance, bias and shortcomings. Acknowledging usually spurs action. 

Learn: 

Learning is seeking knowledge about the experiences of others. You can learn by reading books (memoirs, educational and fiction) by and about people in the LGBTQIA+ community. You can also learn in many other ways – for example, through engagement in activities and events. Look out for activities in your local area and online. There are always many activities during LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. 

Empathise: 

Empathy follows from learning. It's about putting yourself in others' shoes, especially with regard to the disadvantages that others face because of a protected characteristic. Imagine how you would feel if you were treated unfavourably because of your sexuality. Empathy doesn't always come naturally. You must practice it regularly.

Engage: 

Engaging is about taking part in activities by and about the LGBTQIA+ community. During LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, such activities are abundant. But don't just limit yourself to the Pride marches – engage in other activities, whether it's workshops, seminars, art, theatre or anything else that takes your fancy.

But why limit this to LGBTQIA+ Pride Month? Engage at all times! 

Challenge: 

This is one of the most important aspects of allyship. This is about challenging actions, behaviours, attitudes and language that can be construed as disrespectful, unhelpful and damaging.

You must always be prepared to challenge without offence and criticism – challenge to educate.

And challenge everyone, especially those in your "in" group, even if there is no one in the LGBTQIA+ community around. Get in the habit of always challenging unacceptable behaviour, language and actions. 

Educate: 

Challenge to educate. Don't simply say that some language and behaviours are unacceptable – explain why if you can.

Share your experiences and/or learning, but be careful of assuming a position of superiority.

Don't judge others harshly. People can often say or do offensive actions unintentionally because they are unfamiliar with others' experiences. 

–

If you'd like to learn more, you may find Hannah Spencer's and Dr Rebecca Swenson's EDB Insights Session on trans and non-binary awareness helpful.

You can learn more about our support for LGBTQIA+ Pride Month by visiting rcot.co.uk/news/rcot-celebrates-pride-month