The Role of Allies in Supporting LGBTQ Communities
Supporting the LGBTQ+ community isn’t just about waving a rainbow flag in June. For many people, it’s about feeling safe at work, seen in everyday life, and backed up when things get hard. Right now, that support is at risk.
That shift doesn’t go unnoticed. According to HRC’s 2024 LGBTQ+ Climate Survey, over 72% of LGBTQ+ workers said they’d feel less included if their employer rolled back diversity efforts. And that feeling often turns into action—some start job hunting, others stay silent, and many simply shrink themselves to fit in.
This idea applies across all kinds of environments—workplaces, schools, even recreational spaces. Think about it like a game of double deck blackjack. The rules might seem the same on the surface, but the outcomes change when the deck is smaller and every card has more weight. The same goes for allyship: in smaller, everyday interactions, your choices carry more impact than you might expect.
Whether it’s a casino table or a conference room, people want clear rules and equal chances. When companies ignore that, people lose trust—and stop showing up as themselves.
It’s not just a business issue. It’s a human one.
What Real Allyship Looks Like
Lots of people call themselves allies. They’ll slap a rainbow sticker on their laptop or include pronouns in their bio. That’s not a bad start, but for LGBTQ+ folks, allyship is more than a label. It’s how you act when no one’s watching.
A four-year study asked thousands of LGBTQ+ people how they know when someone’s a real ally. The answer came down to three things: acceptance, action, and humility.
Think of it like BlackjackDoc, a site known for helping players find the fairest blackjack games online. It doesn’t just list rules—it gives people the tools to choose well and play smart. Allies do the same. They don't just show up; they help create a fairer game for everyone.
Acceptance and Action Matter Most
Being an ally starts with acceptance. That means affirming someone’s identity without awkwardness or conditions. But acceptance alone isn’t enough. In one study, LGBTQ+ participants judged people more harshly if they were “accepting” but never spoke up or took action.
It’s about showing up when it counts. That might mean correcting a co-worker who makes a cruel joke, or pushing for inclusive policies at work. It also means staying informed, listening, and stepping in—not stepping aside.
Ways allies show up meaningfully every day:
Shut down bias when you see it, even if it’s subtle.
Keep learning—especially when the topic makes you uncomfortable.
Back up LGBTQ+ people in conversations, meetings, and decisions.
That kind of action sends a clear message: you’re not just supportive in theory, but in practice.
Humility Is What Makes It Real
Humility is quieter but just as important. It’s about listening more than speaking. Letting LGBTQ+ people lead their own stories. Not centering yourself when talking about their experiences.
This one’s trickier to spot—especially in ourselves. People tend to overestimate how humble they are. In a roommate study, LGBTQ+ participants and their straight or cis roommates agreed on who was accepting and active—but didn’t always agree on who was humble.
So if you’re wondering whether you’ve nailed this part of allyship, try asking someone you trust. And be open to what they say.
Public Allies Who Actually Show Up
Some public figures get it right—not just with words, but with real action.
Daniel Radcliffe doesn’t just talk about allyship. He’s worked closely with The Trevor Project, contributed financially, and used his platform to support trans and queer youth—especially when it wasn’t trendy.
David Tennant, known for Doctor Who, has been vocal about standing with the trans community. He wears his support, literally, on red carpets—raising awareness and real money for LGBTQ+ causes.
Jade Thirlwall from Little Mix helped raise thousands for Mermaids UK and has consistently spoken out against conversion therapy. Her activism feels personal, not performative.
Jennifer Saunders, through Absolutely Fabulous, helped bring queer stories into the mainstream long before it was common. She even opened Pride in London fully in character—a chaotic, joyful celebration that still resonates.
And then there’s the companies doing more than checking boxes.
Virgin Atlantic reworked its uniform policy so employees can wear what best fits their gender identity. They also added pronoun badges and gender-neutral ticketing, showing that inclusion can be woven into everyday systems.
PwC didn’t just form a queer employee group—they published their sexual orientation pay gap data. That’s rare. And it holds them accountable.
What Allies Can Do Right Now
Supporting LGBTQ+ people doesn’t require a spotlight. It starts with choices we make in daily life.
Learn the issues LGBTQ+ folks are facing—in your workplace, your town, your family.
Ask questions instead of assuming you know.
Don’t wait for Pride Month to show support.
Speak up when something feels off—even when it’s uncomfortable.
Center queer voices when talking about queer issues.
You don’t have to be perfect. But you do have to be present.
When companies cut DEI programs, or when coworkers laugh off a joke that crosses the line, allies are the ones who can shift the energy in the room. Not with grand speeches—but with clear, consistent action. That’s what makes the difference.
