What does being an LGBTQ+ ally at work mean?

What does being an LGBTQ+ ally at work mean?

Les Frontieres asked Connor Warke of Team Manager at  IC24  (Integrated Care 24 - https://www.ic24.org.uk/)

IC24 are a leading social enterprise that enables high-quality integrated urgent care.

Connor  Warke is a mentor and champion within the workforce on issues around LGBTQ + and the positive benefits of embracing diversity within their workforce.

 “In my eyes, it means being a supportive ally which means treating everyone who belongs to the LGBTQ+ community at work with respect like we would with other protected characteristics such as race, age etc.

I think it's important for those in the community to have allies around at work, this could be someone who might relate, a supporter, someone to that could just be there to chat to, support our rights and encourage others in supporting to be an ally. It's important for everyone to work in a team but this makes it feel closer for those in the community to know they have allies. An ally is someone who is not a member of an underrepresented group but who takes action to support that group. An ally to me would try and educate and represent the community, they can do this by attending prides, having empathy, being there for those to talk to etc. It's very important for those in the community to have allies as it makes us feel supported, welcome and like we belong. If you know someone from the community I would really recommend even just speaking to them and trying to connect and give some empathy as even in this day in 2024 some have traumatic stories.

In my work, we have colleague resource groups and have 4 different ones at IC24, LGBTQ+ friends, brave women, disability confidence and cultural inclusion. So we celebrate all different communities with protected characteristics, we hold different events such as going to Pride with IC24, cultural meals in the contact centres, celebrating different foods and upholding events for things like black history month, LGBTQ History Month and lots more. Doing this brings the workplace together and represents that we are inclusive and diverse, I'd recommend that any company to do this to make people feel welcome and like they belong.”

Thank you, Connor Warke for this excellent insightful perspective.