As an out LGBT+ employee, building allies in the workplace can be an important step in creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment. It can also help to increase your sense of belonging and support, which can lead to improved job satisfaction and productivity. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tips and strategies for building allies in the workplace.

1. Be visible

Visibility is an important aspect of building allies in the workplace. It’s important to be out and visible in your workplace, which can help to increase awareness and understanding of LGBT+ issues. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as wearing LGBT+ pride pins or displaying rainbow flags on your desk. By being visible, you can also serve as a role model for other LGBT+ employees who may not feel comfortable being out at work.

2. Educate

Another important way to build allies in the workplace is to educate others about LGBT+ issues. This can include sharing personal stories or experiences, as well as providing resources such as books, articles, or videos. It’s important to approach education in a non-judgmental and informative way, and to be open to questions and discussions.

3. Join LGBT+ Employee Resource Groups

Many workplaces have LGBT+ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that provide a space for LGBT+ employees to connect and support each other. By joining an ERG, you can meet other LGBT+ employees and allies, as well as participate in events and activities that promote LGBT+ inclusion. ERGs can also be a valuable resource for advocating for LGBT+ rights and policies within the workplace.

4. Seek out allies

Building allies in the workplace can also involve seeking out allies who are willing to support LGBT+ inclusion. Allies can include colleagues, managers, or even senior leaders. Look for individuals who are open-minded, supportive, and willing to learn about LGBT+ issues. It’s important to build relationships with allies based on mutual respect and trust, and to be willing to listen and learn from their perspectives as well.

5. Advocate for LGBT+ Inclusion

Finally, building allies in the workplace can involve advocating for LGBT+ inclusion and rights. This can include advocating for policies such as gender-neutral bathrooms or inclusive healthcare benefits, as well as challenging discriminatory behaviors or language. By advocating for LGBT+ inclusion, you can help to create a more welcoming and supportive workplace for all employees.

Building allies in the workplace as an out LGBT+ employee can be an important step in creating a more inclusive and welcoming workplace. By being visible, educating others, joining ERGs, seeking out allies, and advocating for LGBT+ inclusion, you can help to create a workplace where all employees feel valued and supported.