SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½

Matthew Lowe, Executive Officer to the Vice Chancellor, kicks off our series of guest blogs for Pride Month.  
 

In today’s society, the need for equality, inclusion, and acceptance is more visible and vital than ever.  

Everyone has a role to play in creating a world where all people feel seen, respected, and supported—regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Being an ally to the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual) community is one of the most meaningful ways to demonstrate solidarity and support real, lasting change. This blog, the first of a series we’ll be sharing throughout the month, explores what it means to be an active ally. 

Educate Yourself 

The journey to becoming an active ally begins with education. Take time to learn about the diverse range of sexual orientations and gender identities, and understand the specific challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. 

Read books, articles, and blogs on LGBTQIA+ issues  - this will not only broaden your knowledge but also help dismantle stereotypes and reduce unconscious bias.  

Listen and Validate 

Listening is a key aspect of allyship. Create safe, non-judgemental spaces where LGBTQIA+ people feel comfortable sharing their experiences, thoughts, and identities. 

Active listening means giving someone your full attention—without interrupting, minimising, or questioning their reality. Validate their emotions and remember that everyone’s journey is different. It is not your role to challenge their lived experiences, but rather to support and uplift them. 

Use Inclusive Language 

Language holds power—it can affirm identity or cause harm. As an ally, familiarise yourself with inclusive terminology and use it respectfully. 

Always use someone’s chosen name and pronouns, and if you’re unsure, ask politely. Avoid making assumptions based on appearance or outdated social norms.  

Be mindful of heteronormativity  - the assumption that heterosexuality is the default or "normal" orientation -  and cisnormativity - the assumption that all people identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. 

Using inclusive language shows respect, encourages belonging, and helps foster an affirming University culture. 

Speak Up and Take Action 

Silence in the face of discrimination often reinforces the status quo. If you witness or hear homophobic, transphobic, or otherwise discriminatory behaviour, speak out. 

Use your platform and privilege to advocate for change—whether that means calling out inappropriate comments, supporting inclusive policies on campus, or attending events such as Pride or LGBTQIA+ awareness days - there are both staff and student events happening at Harper Adams during the month, as well as wider events in Shropshire and across the country! 

Being an active ally means moving beyond words and taking visible, tangible steps to create a fairer society. 

Recognise Intersectionality 

Intersectionality refers to how different aspects of a person’s identity—such as race, gender, class, disability, and sexuality—interact to create unique experiences of discrimination or privilege. 

LGBTQIA+ individuals may face overlapping systems of inequality. For instance, a Black transgender student may encounter racism, transphobia, and sexism—all at once. 

True allyship involves recognising and addressing these intersecting oppressions and standing in solidarity with all marginalised groups. 

Support LGBTQIA+ Young People 

Young LGBTQIA+ individuals are disproportionately affected by issues such as bullying, poor mental health, and homelessness. University can be a time of self-discovery—and for some, a critical space to seek support and acceptance. 

As an ally, you can make a meaningful impact by volunteering with LGBTQIA+ student organisations, offering mentorship, or simply being someone they can trust.  

Respect Privacy and Confidentiality 

Coming out is an incredibly personal decision. It’s vital to respect a person’s right to privacy regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity. 

Never "out" someone without their explicit permission. Even well-meaning disclosures can cause harm, especially in environments where LGBTQIA+ identities may still be stigmatised. Respecting confidentiality is essential to building trust and ensuring emotional safety. 

Reflect and Challenge Your Own Bias 

We all carry unconscious bias—assumptions shaped by culture, upbringing, or societal norms. Being an ally requires you to recognise and actively challenge those biases. 

This includes reflecting on your attitudes and behaviours, learning from mistakes, and staying open to feedback. Allyship is not a badge—it’s a continuous process of learning, unlearning, and growing. You won’t always get it right, but a genuine willingness to do better goes a long way. 

Final Thoughts 

Allyship is not a destination, but an ongoing journey. At its core, it is about standing with and for others, even when it is uncomfortable or inconvenient. 

By committing to education, inclusive language, active listening, and real-world action, we can all help build a university environment where LGBTQIA+ individuals are not just accepted—but celebrated. 

Let’s work together to create a safer, more equitable, and more compassionate community for everyone. 

 At SA¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½ we are committed to fostering a community of respectfulness, positive relationships and experiences in an environment free of harassment, violence, exploitation and intimidation, where all members of the university community have a part to play in developing a positive environment and a campus culture of which they can be proud. Find out more.