Pride Month is a time for visibility and celebration, but for allyship to really matter, it can’t just be about one month of the year. Being an ally isn’t about posting a rainbow on social media or attending a Pride parade – it’s about showing up, supporting, and using your privilege to create a safe, inclusive environment all year long.
Allyship isn’t about perfection or checking off a box; it’s about actively doing the work to make sure LGBTQ+ people feel respected, safe, and valued in all spaces, particularly the workplace. It’s about listening, standing up against discrimination, and being a visible advocate for change. Allyship is an ongoing effort, not a one-time gesture.
Here’s how to be a real ally – not just during Pride, but every day.
Allyship Is About Action, Not Just Words
It’s easy to say you're an ally, but how do you show it? Allyship is about taking action. This means speaking up when you hear harmful jokes or comments, using inclusive language, and stepping in when you see discrimination. It’s about doing the work every single day, not just in June.
If someone makes a transphobic or homophobic comment, don’t stay silent. A simple “That’s not cool” can go a long way. You don’t need to get into an argument, but you do need to make it clear that bigotry isn’t acceptable in your workplace or social circles.
Standing up for LGBTQ+ people also means supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues in ways that make a real impact. This could be as simple as making sure they're included in team activities or recommending them for opportunities. Be an ally when it counts – even when you’re not at a Pride event.
Educate Yourself
Being a good ally means educating yourself. If you don’t understand gender identity or sexual orientation, take the time to learn about it. You don’t have to become an expert, but knowing the basics – terms like cisgender, gender fluid, transgender, and sexual orientation – will help you communicate better and be more supportive.
And while it’s important to educate yourself, remember that it’s not our job to teach you. There’s plenty of information out there – articles, books, podcasts – that can help you understand LGBTQ+ experiences. The more you learn on your own, the more you can support LGBTQ+ colleagues without putting the burden on them.
You can also share your knowledge. If you hear someone in the office using outdated terms or making assumptions, gently correct them. Education is a huge part of allyship – it helps create a more understanding, respectful environment for everyone.
Show Up for LGBTQ+ Employees
It’s not enough to just say you’re an ally – you need to show up. This means making sure LGBTQ+ employees are included in conversations and opportunities, not just at Pride time but all year long. Recognising our contributions, celebrating our victories, and making sure we have a seat at the table are essential parts of allyship.
When LGBTQ+ employees speak up in meetings or share their ideas, acknowledge and support them. It’s easy to overlook people from marginalised groups, so actively include us in decision-making. By doing so, you’ll help ensure that we’re seen, heard, and valued as much as everyone else.
Visibility is key – it’s vital that LGBTQ+ employees see others who look like them in leadership roles or visible positions within the company. When you’re in a position of power, be intentional about highlighting LGBTQ+ voices and making space for them to succeed.
Be Visible in Your Support
Being a visible ally means using your privilege and platform to support the LGBTQ+ community. If you’re an ally but don’t make that support known, how will others know you’re on their side? Wear a rainbow pin, post about Pride, or talk openly about LGBTQ+ issues. When others see you actively supporting LGBTQ+ rights, they’ll feel more comfortable doing the same.
Visibility doesn’t just mean attending Pride events – it means making an effort to show up and show support every day. Whether that’s using inclusive language, correcting misgendering, or simply listening when LGBTQ+ colleagues need to talk, your visible actions will contribute to creating a more inclusive environment.
Sometimes, being a visible ally means going beyond the safe spaces. If you hear homophobic or transphobic comments in your workplace or social circle, don’t let it slide. Be clear and firm about your commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ people, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Allyship is a Lifelong Journey
Allyship is a lifelong commitment. It’s not something you can just check off during Pride Month – it’s something you should continue working on every day. As an ally, you’ll make mistakes along the way – that’s okay. What matters is that you’re willing to learn from those mistakes and keep improving. Allyship isn’t about perfection; it’s about being present, active, and accountable.
You can start by asking yourself, “How can I be a better ally?” Reflect on the actions you’re taking and be open to feedback from your LGBTQ+ colleagues. Allyship isn’t static; it’s an evolving process that requires ongoing effort and self-reflection.
If you want to be a truly effective ally, keep learning, keep speaking up, and keep showing up. Your efforts will help create a workplace where everyone – regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity – feels valued and respected.