“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.” - Margaret Mead
Workplace inclusion doesn’t happen because of policy. It takes people: individuals who choose to show up, speak out, and support their colleagues. It’s about our everyday actions, mostly subtle ones, that help create a safer, more welcoming workplace for everyone.
How One Person Can Start a Movement
Change often doesn’t begin with committees or large groups. Cultures are made up of countless small interactions. So, change can come from you calling out an offhand joke, politely correcting a misused pronoun, or just listening without judgement. This sends a clear message to your LGBTQ+ colleagues: “You belong here.” You help to break down walls of fear and isolation that many in the LGBTQ+ community face.
But being an ally isn’t easy for everyone. Fear of standing out, saying something wrong or facing backlash can hold people back.
Simple Ways to Be an Ally
Use the right language: respect people’s pronouns and names. If you’re not sure, just ask – admitting you’re unsure and wanting to correct yourself is a sign of respect.
Challenge disrespect: if someone makes a joke, comment, or assumption that feels off, speak up. You don’t need to make a scene – just make it clear it’s not okay.
Don’t make it about you: allyship should be the bare minimum in daily interactions. So, understand that being a true ally isn’t about getting credit. Support quietly and with genuine care.
Back people up: in meetings, amplify LGBTQ+ voices. Back up someone when they’re interrupted or overlooked. Helping to provide visibility is a great way to show support.
Keep learning: no one gets it right all the time, but the most important thing is to stay open, listen when corrected and try to understand why this matters to people within the LGBTQ+ community. Growth is part of allyship.
Be assured, your courage encourages others. Suddenly, you won’t be alone in your thinking. The ripple effect inspires teammates to step up, creating a culture where differences are respected, not ignored.
These small, consistent acts build momentum that propels your work environment to a place where everyone can feel safe and valued.
Want to hear more about how just one person can shift the dynamic in a workplace? Tune into It Only Takes One Person to Start the Ball Rolling, where Tom Coleman and Michael Millward share historical insights on the LGBTQ+ experience and how change often starts small - just one choice, one voice at a time.
