Friday May 17 is International Day Against LGBTQIA+ Discrimination, a day Good Cycles is proud to acknowledge and celebrate. In line with our values of safety and inclusion, we believe it is a fundamental right for all people to feel safe, be respected and be able to be themselves at work.
We are engaging with all corners of our business to share how we can properly support the LGBTQIA+ community. Ahead of May 17, we will be engaging in conversations about how to be a good ally in the workplace. Here are some ways you could do this in your own time.
Learn and Listen
Take the time out of your day to sit down and listen to a person share their LGBTQIA+ journey. This person could be a work colleague, an acquaintance, a relative or a friend. Gain a deeper understanding of LGBTQIA+ history and issues people may face. Know that somebody will share their story only when they feel comfortable and accepted for who they are. It is important that you are supportive and listen with empathy.
Be Visible
A great way to show your solidarity this week is to display rainbow flags and LGBTQIA+ information brochures around your workplace, while wearing rainbow pins, lanyards or badges with your preferred pronouns. Showing your support, wearing your values demonstrates to LGBTQIA+ people that you are there for them and are backing up your allyship in a public setting. Ensure that these work or study environments are safe and inclusive for LGBTQIA+ people to be their true selves.
Use Inclusive Language
Language describes the world that we live in, so it is important we respect those around us by using gender neutral language to avoid prickly assumptions. For example, say ‘partner’ instead of ‘boyfriend’ or ‘girlfriend’ when talking about relationships with somebody you don’t know too well. Respecting people’s preferred pronouns is another way to be an LGBTQIA+ ally, because it shows that person that you are supporting them on their journey and are accepting of their gender identity as well.