As our Stonewall Champion James Chambers shared in his story earlier this month and talked about the notion that being an ally isn’t just about ‘sitting in front of a colourful Pride background’, it is about being ‘supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community all year round’.
We asked our colleagues what Pride and allyship meant to them, here’s what they had to say:
For me, Pride means more than just showing up to an event wearing a few colours and some glitter.
I think it’s so important, now more than ever, to show support for ALL people and know that pride is inclusive for everyone.
My best friends and my stepdaughter are gay and I’m so proud of them and their stories and that they are comfortable being themselves.
I think whoever you are and whatever you identify as – the world should be more accepting.
I try and learn as much as I can about the community, as although I may never understand what people go through, I will always support in the best way I possibly can.
Everytime I attend a Pride event, I come back with a better understanding of the community, and I always feel full of love and optimism.
Everyone should feel proud of who they are, and that’s why I will always pledge to do my best as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Cherie Hathaway
I was raised from a young age to understand that it doesn’t matter what your sexuality is and that everyone is different.
When I was younger my dad and step mum use to take me to take me to drag shows and gay/lesbian/bisexual events, it was a normal part of my childhood and I loved it! It has had a big impact on making me who I am today, a bright and colourful person that doesn’t care what people’s sexuality is.
My friendship group is very diverse and we all celebrate the LBGTQ+ community, a space where nobody is judged because of their sexuality. I am proud to be a part of a community where people can express and be themselves.
Serena Stevenson
Firstly, I am a fierce friend and ally to lots of friends and family within the LGBTQ+ community. Being born and bred in Brighton, a city known for it’s acceptance of ‘different’, Pride has been loud and proud for many years and I consider myself so lucky to grow up with an innate acceptance of this.
As friends and colleagues ‘came out’ as I was growing up, they taught me so much about their lives and the struggles.
Many of the families of children I have looked after are from families that are same sex couples, colleagues have been gay/bisexual and trans. What a rich and varied group of people they are, along with everyone else, that the melting pot is truly rich.
It’s an imperfect world out there and for many there is still some way to go, but I hope so much that just knowing people for who they are, not what, becomes more common place.
I celebrate Pride all year, although the big party in Brighton is early August, and what a party it is!
Emily Bates
We are pleased to be able to share what Pride and being an ally means to some of our team members, and we are proud that they are so supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community. We would like to thank them for sharing their thoughts.
After reading this, we hope you might reflect on what you think makes a good ally.