It’s Pride Month 2025, and we want to talk about building Inclusive workplaces and being an Ally to the LGBTQ+ communities.
Fostering inclusive workplaces is no longer just a corporate responsibility, it’s a strategic imperative. Creating an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued, improves morale, enhances innovation, and drives business success. At the heart of inclusion lies allyship an active, ongoing practice that helps build equitable and empowering workplaces for EVERYONE.
What Is Allyship?
Allyship is not a title, it’s a verb. Being an ally involves individuals, particularly those in positions of privilege, taking intentional actions to support marginalised or underrepresented groups. Allies use their influence to amplify voices, challenge bias, and advocate for fairness and equity.
Allyship is:
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Active: It goes beyond empathy or passive support. It’s about speaking up when you witness microaggressions, sponsoring underrepresented talent, or pushing for inclusive policies.
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Accountable: Allies don’t just express solidarity they listen, learn, and correct their course when they fall short.
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Ongoing: Being an ally isn't a one-time gesture. It requires continuous learning and engagement.
Allyship Matters in the Workplace
A culture of allyship makes a powerful difference in how inclusive, resilient, and successful an organisation can be.
1. Promotes Psychological Safety
When employees feel supported by allies, they’re more likely to speak up, take risks, and share ideas without fear of judgment. This leads to greater collaboration and creativity.
2. Drives Equity in Career Advancement
Underrepresented groups often face systemic barriers in hiring, promotions, and leadership opportunities. Allies can advocate for fair evaluations, mentorship opportunities, and visibility, helping to close the equity gap.
3. Strengthens Organisational Culture
Companies with inclusive cultures experience higher retention rates and employee engagement. Allyship nurtures a sense of belonging that translates into higher job satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Boosts Innovation and Business Outcomes
Diverse teams that feel included outperform their peers. They bring varied perspectives that challenge the status quo and generate innovative solutions. Allyship ensures that those perspectives are respected and integrated.
How to Practice Allyship at Work
You don’t have to be perfect to be an ally, but you do have to be present. Here are some ways to start:
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Listen and Learn: Educate yourself about the experiences of others. Seek out resources, attend workshops, and engage in honest conversations.
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Speak Up: If you witness bias or exclusion, address it respectfully. Silence can be interpreted as agreement.
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Amplify Voices: Give credit to those whose contributions are overlooked. Make space for others to lead and be heard.
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Mentor and Sponsor: Use your position to mentor individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and advocate for their growth.
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Support Inclusive Policies: Advocate for flexible work arrangements, unbiased hiring practices, and equitable pay.
At Forward Role, we are proud allies to the LGBTQ+ communities, we are passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive workplace.
Resources
This week, Forward Role's Alicia Walsh shared some resources to help you to become an ally, not just this month, But always.
💬 Listen and learn
Start by listening to lived experiences and educating yourself. Some helpful Instagram accounts:
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@stonewalluk – Advocacy, stories and campaigns from the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ charity
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@lgbt.foundation – Mental health, support and inclusive advice
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@ukblackpride – Celebrating and advocating for LGBTQ+ people of colour
📚 Read, watch, and reflect
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Books: The Transgender Issue by Shon Faye | We Can Do Better Than This by Amelia Abraham
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TV & film: It’s a Sin (Channel 4), Heartstopper (Netflix), Disclosure (Netflix), Pride (Film, 2014)
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Podcast: Call Me Mother by Shon Faye
🏳️🌈 Speak up
Challenge inappropriate jokes or assumptions, even small comments can make a big difference. Your voice helps build a safer, more inclusive workplace.
🤝 Support LGBTQ+ colleagues
Whether that’s showing up to events, using inclusive language, or simply asking respectful questions, small actions add up. If someone shares their identity with you, thank them for trusting you.
💡Want to learn more?
Let’s all do our part to create workplaces where everyone thrives, not despite their differences, but because of them.
