At DHU, we are proud to support and promote our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives, celebrating the uniqueness of our people and showcasing individuality.
This includes fostering allyship, where we encourage our people to understand, respect, and talk openly about protected characteristics and minority groups. Jess Armstead, our People & Culture Advisor, shares her thoughts on the importance of allyship and the impact it has within our organisation.
"I love Pride and think it is so important," Jess began. "There are so many people who associate with the event who aren’t out or supported by their friends and family to be who they want to be. For everyone to come together at Pride to create a safe space for people is wonderful."
Allyship is a crucial part of this supportive environment. "I was talking to colleagues about it at the Birmingham Pride event. Sometimes people who are not part of the LGBTQ+ community think that the event is not for them, and they might feel unwelcome, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. These events are for everyone, and just being an ally and supporting others is enough."
At DHU, we strive to support our people and improve their well-being. "It’s important for us as a company to celebrate and recognise events like Pride so that there is a safe space for everyone. I know we are looking at introducing peer groups or support networks in the future, and I think this will move us even further into a place where all colleagues can feel safe to be who they are and belong regardless of their identity."
Jess highlighted the power of conversations in driving change. "Openness, awareness, and education are key. For me, it’s the conversations that take place that drive the most change. Speaking with someone recently who is non-binary, Pride gave me a space to learn more in a respectful way. I understand how things can be confusing for people."
She shared a personal experience. "I, for example, grew up thinking I was bisexual, but only recently realised I was pansexual. This means being open to relationships with people regardless of their gender."
Recognising the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, Jess noted the importance of support. "There is still a lot of negativity, around Pride and the LGBTQ+ community. The self-harm and suicide rate among members of the LGBTQ+ community is so high, and that's why supportive and affirming spaces are crucial. You hear awful stories of families not loving their children because a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and it’s so sad. People just want to be happy and who they are."
"It's okay to get things wrong," Jess added. "We all worry about offending people, but as long as we try to improve and educate ourselves, we can make a difference."
Join us in embracing allyship at DHU, where we celebrate and support each other’s uniqueness, creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.