At Highline Warren, we deeply believe in the importance of showing respect for all and creating an environment in which our teammates can show up to work as their full and authentic selves. We fully support the LGBTQ+ community here within our company, as well as across the communities we work and live in – and encourage our teammates, vendors, customers and all stakeholders to learn more about the history of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride month.
As you learn, remember you can be an ally. This means you actively promote and work to advance the inclusion of marginalized groups through intentional, positive and conscious efforts that benefit people as a whole. Everyone can be an ally. Allies are critical to creating a safe, accepting environment that celebrates our diversity.
Here are a few suggestions we recently shared with our teammates about how best to show up as an ally in the workplace – and we think these are relevant for all, so we wanted to share.
Show respect: First and foremost, allyship means you show equal and complete respect to any person as a member of humanity. As an ally, you work every day to reject discrimination and instead celebrate the diversity, differences and connectedness among all. And, as a result, you acknowledge, appreciate and show respect for the LGBTQ+ community.
Be accepting: As an ally, your behaviors show acceptance and validation. If someone shares more about themselves with you, you can consider asking: How can I make you feel more comfortable? How do you want to be more seen? Which pronouns do you prefer? You validate an individual's feelings and allow them to feel seen in your presence, in their role at work and within the company.
Take action: The most helpful allies are those that take action. Sometimes it’s as simple as improving the climate in a single conversation in a break room or asking a colleague to share their thoughts. Allies also dedicate time to educating themselves on key issues impacting the LGBTQ+ community – whether inside or outside the workplace.
Have humility: This involves learning about the experiences of those in the LGBTQ+ community, listening with intention and being willing to admit you need to learn more to better understand. Allies are willing to create a safe space where their coworkers, friends or family members can authentically share.
Be open to changing your perspective: Allyship isn’t about being “right,” instead, it’s about standing in solidarity with a marginalized community and learning what’s needed of you. This can change over time. There’s no one way to be an ally but there are many opportunities and options to get started.
As we recognize Pride month, we are reminded that every single person can be an ally as we continue building accepting and open environments where all people can show up as their best and full selves.
#Pride2024 #LGBTQ #Diversity #Allyship
