Being an ally is often something we hear as part of Pride Month and in the context of supporting the LGBTQ+ community. An ally is someone who stands up for, supports and encourages the people around them.
As part of Pride month members of staff in Student Support have been telling us what being an LGBTQ+ ally means to them.
Imroze - Student Retention Team Leader
First of all, can you tell us how you are and your role within the University.
My name is Imroze Sahota. I’m a Team Leader for the Student Retention and Success Team within Student Support
What does it mean to you to be an LGBTQ+ ally?
Someone who defends and supports the LGBTQ community. It’s someone that educates themselves and stays informed on LGBTQ issues, keep reading, listening and watching.
How did you become an ally?
Through my work supporting estranged students, some students have sadly been disowned because of their sexuality or gender choice. It can be painful to find yourself in the position where a relationship with close family members is untenable. University can also be the beginning of one’s self-acceptance. University can became your safe space to be authentically you.
What does Pride mean to you?
To be able to live openly and freely as your authentic self and the need to understand the legacy of protest and political struggle that made it safe to do so.
Maddie - Disability Adviser
First of all, can you tell us how you are and your role within the university.
Hi, I’m Maddie (she/her) and I am a Disability Adviser here at the University. As a Disability Adviser, I meet with students to discuss and recommend support for their studies such as exam arrangements, assistive technology or one-to-one study support.
What does it mean to you to be and LGBTQ+ ally?
For me, allyship is supporting, advocating for, and celebrating LGBTQ+ students. It’s about recognising and addressing challenges and discrimination that can be faced by the community as well as celebrating the LGBTQ+ individuals.
It also is an opportunity to reflect and work to promote LGBTQ+ representation, ensuring that I can provide a space where LGBTQ+ students feel welcomed an accepted.
Overall allyship for me is standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ folks and working on active inclusion.
How did you become an ally?
I have many friends who are part of the LGBTQ+ community and I have found it very helpful to have open conversations with them to learn more and reflect on my own thoughts and what else I can do to be a good ally. I think the most important part of becoming/being an ally is about listening to people’s experiences, supporting their wellbeing, and providing a safe space to talk and be their authentic selves.
What does Pride mean to you?
Progress – the progress that’s been made and the progress that needs to be made.
Celebration – celebrating individuals, love and being your authentic self.
Visibility
What does being an ally mean to you? Let us know in the comments.
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