Being an ally is about being an active friend or support to someone else. Allies make spaces more inclusive for everyone.
People who aren’t LGBT+ can be allies to LGBT+ people. LGBT+ people can be allies to each other. If we want to live in a world where people are accepted without exception, we all need to be part of the solution – take a look at this map of countries to see just how differently the LGBT+ community is treated across the globe.
65
jurisdictions criminalise private, consensual, same-sex sexual activity. The majority of these jurisdictions explicitly criminalise sex between men via ‘sodomy’, ‘buggery’ and ‘unnatural offences’ laws. Almost half of them are Commonwealth jurisdictions.
41
countries criminalise private, consensual sexual activity between women using laws against ‘lesbianism’, ‘sexual relations with a person of the same sex’ and ‘gross indecency’. Even in jurisdictions that do not explicitly criminalise women, lesbians and bisexual women have been subjected to arrest or threat of arrest.
12
countries have jurisdictions in which the death penalty is imposed or at least a possibility for private, consensual same-sex sexual activity. At least 6 of these implement the death penalty – Iran, Northern Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen – and the death penalty is a legal possibility in Afghanistan, Brunei, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, UAE and Uganda.
14
countries criminalise the gender identity and/or expression of transgender people, using so-called ‘cross-dressing’, ‘impersonation’ and ‘disguise’ laws. In many more countries transgender people are targeted by a range of laws that criminalise same-sex activity and vagrancy, hooliganism and public order offences.
*Key Facts as published by Human Dignity Trust.
Ways to be an ally
There are lots of opportunities to change the hearts and minds of people around us.
Educate and empower yourself
Doing some research, reading up online and learning a little more about LGBT+ people is a great place to start. Even if you’re LGBT+ yourself, find out about people whose orientation or gender identity differs to your own. Be curious and confront your own assumptions, prejudices, and biases. Google, YouTube and the LGBT+ media are your friends. Getting the language right can sometimes feel intimidating, so why not start with Stonewall’s glossary of terms?
Listen & Learn
As allies, we have to be able to listen, ask how someone is doing and be aware that other people’s lives and experiences will be completely different to our own, especially in terms of discrimination and prejudice. Remember that just because someone has come out to you, they might not be out to everyone. Respect and Protect each other and enjoy learning about all the differences and diversity in the communities around us.
Be visible and challenge
Be loud, visible and proud. We want as many positive messages out there as possible. When you hear people making negative comments or using hurtful or abusive language towards LGBT+ people, Speak Up and challenge it, if safe to do so. If it’s online, report it. You might not always have all the answers or know exactly what to say and that’s OK. Always make sure you stay safe and don’t put yourself in danger.
If you witness or experience bulling or harassment of any kind at work, please Speak Up. Find out how here.
Being an ally goes beyond just LGBTQIA+
It’s important to remember that people have lots of different elements to their identities – someone might be bi and also a person of colour (PoC), or trans and Catholic, gay and disabled, non-binary and dealing with a mental health issue. This may mean they suffer multiple levels of discrimination in their life. Being an ally is about listening to and learning from someone else’s experiences and showing your support for them.
At Carnival UK we’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, no matter how they identify. Spectrum, Carnival UK’s LGBT+ & Friends employee-led network, celebrate the diversity of colleagues and champion the LGBT+ community.
In support of their ongoing commitment to belonging and inclusion at Carnival UK, this month Spectrum is recognising LGBT+ History Month which aims to promote tolerance and raise awareness of the prejudices faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
Find out more about Spectrum and your employee-led networks here.