Why is it important to be a
GLBT Ally?
“Presenting yourself as being open
for discussion is a big step –
even if it doesn’t seem to make a
difference to you.”
Most gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
Don’ts
•
Don’t “out” anyone
•
Do not permit homophobic language, jokes
•
Don’t tolerate hate language
•
Do not assume everyone is heterosexual
(GLBT) associates remain closeted in the work
environment. Often coworkers are supportive
Integrate the topic into your life:
but it can be difficult to tell if someone is a
•
Use inclusive language with everyone—partner,
significant other, spouse, etc.
when one exhibits GLBT ally behavior, new
•
Be welcoming
doors open up:
•
Treat subject in a positive manner - How you
react sets the tone
•
•
supporter of the GLBT community. However,
•
GLBT Team members can be themselves:
For transgender, use pronouns and names appropriate to a person’s gender presentation
Common reasons why Allies choose
to become Allies:
•
To support employees they know are GLBT
•
To spread acceptance of GLBT via Family or
friend who is GLBT
SAMPLE
−
Talk about partners, weekend activi-
−
ties, family, etc.
Feel freedom to display rings, photos,
−
etc.
Have support in celebration and grief
GLBT Team members feel comfortable,
productive and welcome:
− Feel like a part of the team – valued
How to demonstrate you are a
GLBT Ally:
Proactively show support to those around you
•
To gain/generate awareness of GLBT specific
issues in the workplace
•
For personal growth and understanding -- expand definition of traditional diversity
•
Use TV, movies, music to provide opportunities
for dialogue
•
•
Mention a news item about a GLBT issue in a
positive way
To be more prepared to respond to discriminatory events in community or workplace
•
•
Bring up the fact that you have GLBT friends or
family
To be more prepared when friends/family
members “come out” or struggle with issues
•
•
Display a Safe Space Magnet/Sticker in your office and/or home
To advocate a diverse and equal workplace for
all people
•
To positively impact fellow employees lives
•
For personal satisfaction
Showing and sharing your acceptance and support is very easy. Straight people sometimes
Get involved
•
For career networking
don’t realize that GLBT peo-
•
Confront prejudice
•
To expand your leadership abilities
ple watch for signs from their
•
Educate yourself
•
Be open, honest and don’t be afraid to ask
“dumb questions”
•
Attend and participate in EQUAL! Activities
•
Join EQUAL!
•
Encourage other allies to join EQUAL!
straight friends, family and
acquaintances about whether
it is safe to be open with
them.
®
®
Will people think I am gay?
This is a question that many people have —
and are often afraid to ask out loud. The simple answer is: Maybe, it is possible that people may wonder if you are gay if you show
your support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender issues. At the same time, most
people understand that supporting fairness
and equality for GLBT people does not mean
that a person is gay.
People who do not personally know or care
about someone who is GLBT may look to you
to set the tone for how to talk about GLBT
issues. If you are not at ease as you talk
about GLBT issues, they may take their cues
from you and opportunities for education and
setting a positive tone can be lost.
Why the pink triangle?
The pink triangle is a widely-recognized symbol
of gay pride and liberation, but its origins are
in oppression. Homosexuals were among those
persecuted in Nazi Germany; they were arrested, placed in concentration camps, and
targeted for extermination. Just as Jews were
forced to wear a yellow Star of David, homosexuals were identified by pink triangles. A
quarter of a million died in places like Dachau.
What is a
GLBT Ally?
How can I
become one?
Even liberation by the Allied armies did not al-
SAMPLE
The women’s suffrage movement was successful because women and men who supported fairness stood shoulder-to-shoulder –
these men were Allies. The AfricanAmerican civil rights struggle was supported by people of all races and ethnicities – these people were Allies.
The GLBT community needs Allies in the
same manner – can the community
count on you?
“Many people say they are
supportive, but don't really
understand the issues. By
becoming an Ally, one can
learn about the issues and
become a true supporter”
ways bring freedom; often, gay prisoners were
forced by the Allied powers to serve out their
sentences in prison.
Today the pink triangle serves as a reminder of
that suffering; a symbol of struggle, remem-
®
brance, and pride.
A Brief History of EQUAL!
EQUAL! dates back to the early 1980’s when a
group of employees at AT&T met to discuss workplace issues for gays and lesbians. To continue this
great work, EQUAL! was created in 1996 when
Lucent Technologies was formed from AT&T. Since
®
2007, EQUAL! continues as a Alcatel-Lucent ERG.
®
The Safe Space Emblem and the EQUAL! Logo are
registered trademarks of EQUAL! . For more information
on EQUAL! and the Safe Space Program, please visit us on
the web at:
http://www.equal.org.
EQUAL! is an education and support group
that addresses workplace environment
issues affecting gay, lesbian, bisexual, or
transgender employees and their friends
and families.