From protest to progress: Activating allyship
From protest to progress: Activating allyship
By Lauren Watson, Community Manager, Canada Water Connect
It’s Pride Month and ELBA is celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and the diverse voices that make our workplace and the communities we support thrive.
While today’s Pride is well known for its vibrant celebrations, its foundation lies in grassroots protests. The turning point came during the 1969 Stonewall Riots, spearheaded by drag queens, trans women of colour, and unhoused youth facing the compounding weights of racism, poverty and transphobia. They fought back because they had the least to lose, pushing the liberation movement forward through these intricate intersectionalities.
To build a genuinely inclusive workplace, we must understand the history to transform allyship from passive to active. Here is how we can take action today:
- Self-Educate: Take initiative to learn about LGBTQ+ history and terminology – don’t rely on your colleagues to do the heavy lifting.
- Challenge Bias: Speak up against microaggressions in real time so the burden doesn’t solely fall on those affected.
- Show up: Volunteer with ELBA to help us support LGBTQ+ charities and communities.
Did you know?
The Progress Pride Flag was created by Daniel Quasar in 2018, but did you know that each colour has a meaning? Which colour do you resonate with most?
Happy Pride Month. Please get in touch to explore how we can work together and strengthen our communities. Contact [email protected].
[Image by Oriel Frankie Ashcroft on Pexels]
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