The Stonewall Riots marked the beginning of the modern-day Gay Rights movement. It all started when police raided Stonewall Inn, a New York City spot frequented by the marginalized community, on June 29, 1969. And over half a century later, we’re still fighting.
Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community should be a standard, but it’s often in everyday situations that the LGBTQ+ community are underrepresented or even excluded completely. This is also true in the workplace. The Center for American Progress found that many of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face discrimination at work. A further study found that 52.8% of LGBTQ+ respondents said discrimination has negatively affected their work environment, and 46% reported fearing being open about their orientation as they thought it may harm their careers.
So how can you do your part at work to support your LGBTQ+ Colleagues?
Education
To be an LGBTQ+ ally in the workplace, you need to educate yourself. Make sure you know what it all means. Consume quality content and empower yourself to be a better supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. Do your research and speak to your colleagues about their journey and experience, so you understand how you can support them at work in the right way.
Listen
One of the best things anyone can do is listen. But listening is more than just hearings the words someone says. Listening is a skill. Having someone listen to you can make the world of difference when you are part of a minority. To feel seen and heard is a huge part of what pride month is about.
Use your voice
Many LGBTQ+ employees feel they don’t have a voice. They do not feel comfortable addressing issues in the workplace such as slurs, exclusion, or discrimination. If you see or hear something offensive towards your colleagues, speak up. Companies are required to create a safe, sensitive, and respectful work environment for everyone and need to be held accountable if everyone is not treated equally. Use the right channels to ensure your company knows that what happened isn’t appropriate. No one should feel uncomfortable just for being who they are!
Show your support
Pride month is about visibility. Remove barriers by making sure that every workplace meeting and interaction allows LGBTQ+ people to feel welcome, included, and seen. This doesn’t have to be anything extravagant (but you do you!). Even small gestures mean a lot. Placing a pride flag on your desk or wearing a pin on your lanyard are important ways to show you are there for any LGBTQ+ colleagues who need support or simply someone to talk to.
We all have the ability to make a change, so let’s make it!
To find out more about supporting your LGBTQ+ colleagues, contact the EquallyPlaced.com team or one of our partners.
