Confronting discrimination as an LGBTQ+ ally

Jim Donnell, Business Analyst at AstraZeneca, spoke to myGwork about his experience of being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. From confronting discrimination to memories of the 1980s HIV pandemic, Jim's allyship towards LGBTQ+ people spans decades.

Can you please introduce yourself and describe your role within your organization?

Hi, I’m Jim Donnell and I am a cisgender straight ally with pronouns he/him. My day job is a business analyst within our mergers and acquisitions IT team, and if you know what that means, please let me know as I'm still working it out! On a serious note, one of the main responsibilities I have is to ensure business continuity between AstraZeneca and the organization we have acquired to protect the science and the asset ensuring potential new drugs and therapies can improve our patients lives.

What is your experience of being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community?

Within the community it has always been positive and warm. Outside there have been many times when I have confronted discrimination, however I may have mentioned I am a problem solver so relish the chance to educate people and help them along their journey as an ally. Doesn’t always work, but I will always try.

How do you think allies can be (more) vocal?

I became aware of my role as an ally in my teens back in the 80’s, the HIV pandemic, the hatred towards sufferers, combined with Section 28 helped me choose what side of the fence I sat on. It was different then as we didn’t have mass communication tools and growing up in a working-class town in Essex I almost had to hide my ally status as much as many young gay men hide themselves. The World is a different place now, much more accepting, much more willing to hear. Allies need to be confident in who they are and why inclusion is important to them, the voice gets louder when the confidence grows. For some that comes easy, for others not, especially if they face their own fear of discrimination.

How does your organization facilitate the inclusion of allies with your LGBTQ+ network?

Well, that’s where I come in! At AZPride we made the decision to make everyone aware where allies fit in and where they are needed, and they even gave me a fancy title - Inclusion Champion Ally engagement. This Pride month we saw a huge uptick in the amount of allies that made a point of sharing their stories and commitment, not just on the events AZPride organized but individual business teams came together on their own. That was an incredible moment for me to see and hear the voices getting louder.

Are you a vocal ally with other marginalized groups? If yes, do you think you could help create a strong relationship and be a bridge between these groups? How?

Yes, I am also involved with several other ERGs from race and religion, women’s equality, disabilities, etc. LGTBQ+ also includes all the other challenges marginalized groups suffer. Just getting involved starts that relationship and you soon see how easy it is to combine voices.

Do you march at Pride?

Yes, this year I was very happy to be part of Cambridge Prides first march and I will be in full swing for Manchester Pride.

How can allies help create an inclusive workplace?

We have a bigger voice and, more often than not, inherited privilege that can be easily shared without impacting ourselves.

Would you work for a non-inclusive organization?

Yes, and then I would set about being a vocal ally to make a change, or until they sack me.

What makes an organization inclusive for you?

One that does more than simply adhere to the I&D laws of the country. Inclusion is creating an environment of safety and trust, you can’t legislate that as it comes from the people that work there. It starts with senior leaders though, you can’t achieve anything if you are always worried about your job.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an ally?

Just go for it, understanding and supporting others will teach you things about yourself you were not aware of. It will help you become your true self.

What has been your greatest achievement as an ally?

I don’t see allyship as something for me to achieve but something that feels right to do. If I had to choose one thing it would be my children growing up seeing people for who they really are and not what someone else tells them they should, mind you I should give my beautiful wife some credit there as well.

What advice would you give to LGBTQ+ people to better welcome allies?

I have never felt not welcomed, maybe ensure groups communicate that all of their events are open and welcoming of allies but it is a tough call for members of the community to reach out if they don’t feel safe doing so. This is why allies have a job to be more visible, trust me you won’t regret it.