POWERED UP - AN INSIGHT BY THE IN GROUP
Perhaps the spirit of the discussion was captured most succinctly by one comment from the floor: “I would have really liked if someone had said, ‘You’re welcome in this space, just as you are, and you don’t have to change anything about yourself to fit into this space as a queer person.” Maybe that’s a lesson we can all learn not just when actively being allies but in our interactions with everyone we meet.
The lessons
Same sex acts remain illegal in 70 countries.
Thanks to our wonderful panel, who were prepared to put themselves on the line to discuss an extremely complex, and sometimes very personal topic, we picked up some simple lessons that can make a big difference to people’s lives every day:
• Be careful of the words you use and be conscious of the impact they can have on others. • If something doesn’t sit well, call it out. • Allyship is really important. You don’t have to be an expert – just be open, understanding, and willing to listen. • Don’t be afraid to ask questions – this will help you support someone who really needs it, increase your understanding, and make you more comfortable with a sensitive issue. • As an organisation, foster a sense of inclusivity, so everyone knows they have a chance to progress.
34
35
It’s by opening ourselves up and having, at times, uncomfortable conversations that we can educate both ourselves and others, allowing us to create better experiences for people who are underrepresented or going through difficulty. To discuss any of the points raised in our roundtable or for advice on how to foster an inclusive workplace, contact our DEI committee. They’d love to help.
CREDIT - PEXELS
Powered by FlippingBook