Three ways that businesses can support LGBT+ people after Pride Month
Walking down a UK city high street in June we play ‘spot the rainbow’.
We give up at fifty.
Rainbows are everywhere. On flags, logos, signs, and clothes.
Businesses are festooned with rainbow colours.
June is Pride Month, a celebration of LGBT+ people.
It looks like a party.
But on 1 July, the rainbows vanish.
There are still a few, here and there. But the difference is palpable.
Is the party over?
Well, not exactly.
Support for LGBT+ people in the UK
YouGov polling shows seven in ten Britains would support someone they were close to who came out as LGBT+.
But it isn’t all rainbows, despite what the June high street might suggest.
LGBT+ people are still discriminated against. The progress made in the last few decades is constantly being undermined and threatened.
Misinformation and the uncontested viewpoints of a vocal few threaten to remove the hard-won rights of LGBT+ people.
And it’s working.
The UK Government’s research shows that reported LGBT+ hate crime has grown over the past two years at double the rate of other forms of hate crime.
Pride month is a celebration. It is also a protest; a time to remember the long-standing history of LGBT+ marginalisation and struggle.
And the protest, the struggle, continues long after the majority of multicoloured decorations have gone.
So, what can those who support the rights of LGBT+ people do to help?
1. Educate yourself
From 1988 to 2003, UK Section 28 prohibited “the promotion of homosexuality by local authorities." This meant that a whole school-aged generation was left to look for answers themselves.
Educating yourself can take time but it’s the first step to being a true ally.
Start with the specific thing you don’t understand and work from there.
Terminology
The LGBT+ terminology has changed and continues to evolve. It’s important to research and use the current terminology.
But don’t stop there.
Recognising out-of-use terms and phrases is also important when reading older books and historic records.
And knowing the words that some anti-LGBT+ people use as slurs will help you to call out discrimination.
Resources
The first Pride was a protest. So what was being protested?
Look through the history of how LGBT+ people were treated in the past. Then look how they’re treated now, globally. If you’re not sure where to start, look online for LGBT+ inclusive and supportive organisations.
If you’re looking to add LGBT+ books to your collection, why not visit an LGBT+ owned bookshop. This way you’ll learn from the books you read and be actively supporting an LGBT+ owned business.
2. Avoid Rainbow Washing
In 2019, LGBT adults globally held a combined buying power of approximately $3.9 trillion.
This means that there’s potentially a lot of money to be made come Pride Month.
Some businesses know that.
And they only see the money.
Breaking out the rainbows for financial gain, superficially supporting LGBT+ people by waving flags, and adding a rainbow to their logo for the month.
But nothing else.
This performative allyship is known as ‘rainbow washing’.
Some of these businesses even donate to organisations that actively attack LGBT+ people's rights.
But companies are being called out on their hypocrisy. People are taking their money elsewhere.
Make a difference
A true ally who flies the flag must also actively make a positive difference.
Some groups and organisations work tirelessly to support LGBT+ people.
Supporting these organisations with a financial donation or volunteering time would be a great way to pay back the LGBT+ community.
And it’s not just outside organisations that businesses can help.
3. Promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace
Ensuring that all employees feel that they can bring their whole selves to the workplace and be supported is vital.
Unwritten rules are easily broken. The same with unwritten policies.
LGBT+ friendly workplace policies should be in writing. Publishing these policies on the business website would be a clear indicator of the active support of LGBT+ colleagues.
Employee benefits and hiring practice
Is your Parental and Maternity leave process inclusive of LGBT+ people? Do you have clear guidance to support colleagues transitioning?
Even if you don’t currently have any ‘out’ LGBT+ colleagues, it’s still important to have supportive policies in place.
People considering employment may choose your business over another because of your active support.
Have you considered creating an LGBT+ staff network? Or joining up with other small businesses to create one?
Staff networks provide a safe space for people to have honest conversations about their workplace experiences. Ideas on how to improve policies or practices can also benefit the business.
Our flag means?
It takes more than a rainbow flag.
A true ally lifts up the community in solidarity and celebration.
Businesses need to show they are active allies by being the change they want to see in the world.
Then you can raise that flag with Pride.
Mary Wyrd offers virtual assistant and copywriter services for creatives and small businesses.