Our workplaces are key to LGBTQ+ allyship

New York, June 28, 1969. At 1:20am, the police arrived at the Stonewall Inn’s double doors for a raid typical of the city’s persecution of LGBTQ+ communities. This time, though, things took a different turn: the police violence incited days of spontaneous widespread demonstrations in defense of LGBTQ+ rights, sparking the modern gay liberation movement, and birthing what we know today as Pride Month.

 52 years have passed since that day and by some measures, many parts of the world have made progress on LGBTQ+ rights. But how deep has progress been? How far have we come at work?

 We know that more needs to be done for our LGBTQ+ colleagues to truly feel included and safe at work and not experience unseen – but deeply felt – challenges and fears. Global research by Accenture suggests that 57% LGBTQ+ employees feel their gender identity and expression or sexual orientation has slowed their progress at work. Even more distressingly, only 14% LGBTQ+ employees feel fully supported by their employer when it comes to issues like welcoming those who identify as LGBTQ+.

All together now

 These issues belong to us all. Whatever our gender identity, sexual orientation, or organizational role, we all have a responsibility to foster and maintain an inclusive workplace environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. Indeed, this duty falls first and foremost to those in a position of influence – those who have the institutional, social and/or cultural privilege to advocate effectively for their LGBTQ+ colleagues. Allies who can listen to the unheard stories, call out barriers and biases that inhibit progress, and act as role models in their commitment to workplace diversity, equality, and inclusion. 

 At DSM, we’re at the start of an important journey to make inclusion of our LGBTQ+ community a top priority across our global organization. By working with a range of external partners and employee focus groups, we’re striving to create workplaces where people of all genders and sexual orientations can be their true selves, offer their unique contributions, and help lead the way for others. On this journey, our DSM LGBTQ+ allies will play an important role in normalizing inclusive behaviors, fostering a strong culture, and calling people forward.

Curiosity-driven allyship powers change

 For me, allyship is more than just a statement. It is a lifelong journey of actively educating oneself on LGBTQ+ issues, acknowledging privileges, speaking up on behalf of the unheard, and having the curiosity to explore the experiences of others.

 Allyship is also a personal value, that involves building relationships based on accountability, trust, and consistency in how one approaches and works with people of different backgrounds, beliefs, and identities.

 So, as Pride Month 2021 gets underway, I encourage us all to step forward and stand up. Together, we can build communities of LGBTQ+ allies that build awareness, engage in constructive dialogues, and act when needed. Because it’s only by standing up for each other that we can multiply our impact. Just in the way it happened in New York in June 1969.