JP Paschalides: Allyship as a Way of Paying Forward Support to Others

JP Paschalides is Lead P&C Analytics UKI at Swiss Re. He has worked in actuarial, data and advancing technology roles throughout his insurance career, mostly spanning the EMEA region, myGwork spoke to him about allyship to the LGBTQ+ community and why we must all speak up for one another.

Hi JP - thanks for chatting to us. To start with, why is allyship important to you?

Demonstrating allyship is an important way to make LGBTQ+ colleagues feel entirely comfortable about bringing who they are to work without fear or worry of others labelling or judging. Given additional challenges faced by minority groups in many workplaces, I regard allyship as a responsible duty of all rather than a volunteering opportunity, providing an opportunity to engage in a wide range of highly relevant topics in the workplace, which all have in common with the importance of psychological safety.

And what does it mean for you to be an ally?

On a personal level, when considering my own career history over the last 15+ years, I have found LGBTQ+ people being supportive at some of the most challenging times in my career. For me, allyship is a moral debt to pay forward this kind of support to others.

"Demonstrating allyship is an important way to make LGBTQ+ colleagues feel entirely comfortable about bringing who they are to work without fear or worry of others labelling or judging."

How can allies help create an inclusive workplace?

Participation in LGBTQ+ events is effective in my experience. Either employer events, industry network events, or myGwork socials.

What is an LGBTQ+ ally?

Based on DEI training at work, someone who helps others feel included, reduces stigma and raises awareness. Based on webinars, I'd say sticking together to present a united front when confronting bad attitudes. I'd summarise an ally as someone who makes an effort to engage with LGBTQ+ individuals and shows how this could be done by treating the individual with respect and common courtesy.