What it means to be an ally: reflections from Jabil

By Elaine Hartin, Operations Configuration Specialist II, Jabil

To me, an LGBTQ+ ally is someone who supports the community and the fight for equality, even though they, themselves, do not identify as LGBTQ+. This person takes the time to listen to and learn from the experiences of our community. They empathize with the struggles and hardships we may face and are willing to take action or speak out when they witness bias against members of the community. 

An ally understands that people are multifaceted and bring so much more to the table than just a singular view, experience, or way of existing. Similar to the optical patterns created by a kaleidoscope, the diversity of life and love brings beauty to the world. Our experiences as human beings are dynamic and give us limitless potential.

An ally uses their voice, actions, and influence to advocate for and help empower the LGBTQ+ community by promoting awareness and knowledge; dispelling misconceptions about LGBTQ+ people; encouraging respect, kindness, and empathy; and confronting intolerance. The actions of an LGBTQ+ ally can be as simple as believing in respect and equality for all, using someone’s correct pronouns, or speaking up against disrespect. 

All of these actions have a ripple effect in the community. There are so many different ways to be an LGBTQ+ ally. Every place held, kind word spoken, or thoughtful action taken helps to build a workplace where everyone can feel safe and supported. This framework applies to being an ally of any marginalized community, not just LGBTQ+ people.

Still, allies are incredibly important to the LGBTQ+ community. Allyship creates the opportunity for and encourages conversations and collaboration between all types of people, which helps to build trust and supports connection on more than just a superficial level. These interactions help people to recognize and deconstruct biases and stereotypes, building empathy through understanding, mutual respect, and appreciation. This is important not only in our social lives, but also in our professional lives and the workplace.  

Being an ally in the workplace helps give people the space to feel confident and empowered to bring their full selves to work. It fosters empathy and understanding. Allyship drives you to actively listen to those around you, look at life from another person’s point of view, and hold yourself accountable for your thoughts and actions. Creating space for that level of authenticity results in a culture of compassion and trust, which makes for grateful and optimistic employees. This, in turn, results in increased efficiency and productivity in the workplace, from which everyone can benefit. 

To me, LGBTQ+ allies don’t necessarily need to be “showy” with their support. They can be the quiet person in the corner of the meeting room who takes the time to listen and understand the perspective of someone other than themselves. Allies see the benefit of inclusion within their teams and across organizations, and they encourage others to embrace it, too.  

Change starts small, through reflection, recognizing your own biases, and modifying your way of thinking. Allies create this opportunity through collaboration with their LGBTQ+ peers, which leads to open conversations and the understanding that we’re all not so very different from each other. These conversations and interactions challenge beliefs and start the path to both personal and professional growth.  

I am incredibly grateful that Jabil unapologetically fosters and celebrates inclusion for myself and other LGBTQ+ peers. This has helped to create and sustain a workplace culture of trust, respect, and support, comparable to no other company for which I have worked.