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LGBT+ History Month 2023: Five ally actions

This LGBT+ History Month, here are some actions you can take to help support our LGBTQ+ community and beyond – better allyship can start here:

LGBT History Month logo on purple background.

Learn about the lives, history and activism of the LGBTQ+ community

Using pronouns

  • When you use someone’s chosen pronouns or the appropriate pronouns for their gender identity, you are acknowledging their gender identity, and behaving in a respectful and supportive way.
  • If unsure what pronouns someone uses or how to use them, asking “Can I ask what pronoun you use?” would be respectful and inclusive.
  • Find a guide to using pronouns on the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion SharePoint site including why they matter and how you can use them, including on social media profiles.

Learn the language

Be open to mistakes but apologise without qualifications

  • If you ever feel concerned about making mistakes and saying the wrong thing, or behaving in an unhelpful and hurtful way unintentionally, remember it is better to be an imperfect ally than not be an ally at all.
  • The best allies are willing to make mistakes and keep learning. But if you do make a mistake, we should apologise without any “ifs” or “buts”, avoiding phrases like “But that’s not what I intended”. Acknowledge the mistake sincerely and be willing to listen, learn and update ally practices as you go.

Speak up

Catch up on recent news you might have missed: LGBT+ History Month 2023: Get involved (southampton.ac.uk)

 
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