Allyship, Respect and Belonging in Our Communities

Each year, IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia) is recognised around the world as an opportunity to raise awareness of the discrimination and exclusion experienced by LGBTQIA+ communities, and to promote equality, inclusion and respectful relationships.

The day marks the World Health Organization’s 1990 decision to remove homosexuality from the classification of diseases and continues to encourage conversations about dignity, belonging and the importance of creating safe and welcoming communities for all people.

As a social services organisation supporting diverse communities across Victoria, CCV recognises the importance of fostering environments where people feel respected, valued and safe when accessing support and services.

Allyship can take many forms. Often, it begins with listening, learning and being open to understanding experiences that may differ from our own. It can include using respectful language, avoiding assumptions and helping create environments where people feel welcomed and included.

Members of CCV’s Rainbow Inclusive Practice Working Group (RIPWG) reflected that meaningful allyship is often shaped through listening, humility, reflection and a willingness to continue learning. They shared that allyship is not about having all the answers, but about showing up respectfully, remaining open to different lived experiences and helping foster environments where people feel safe, valued and included.

“Meaningful allyship is allowing ourselves to be vulnerable and not letting the fear of doing or saying the wrong thing get in the way of showing up for those in need.

Allyship is a lifelong process of learning and listening – if you don’t get it right apologize, reflect, and learn from the experience. It’s an opportunity to improve!

Allyship can be a balancing act – it is important to leverage or our own privilege to support and encourage marginalized communities, whilst also knowing when to step back and hold space for those with lived experience to take the lead” said Adam, RIPWG member.

“For me, I am unsure as to what real ‘allyship’ might mean for members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

I have my own ideas about the importance deep listening, that I actively need to ensure I am not making assumptions about someone’s experience and that I actively seek to understand the lived experience of the other person.  However, I am very conscious that as a cis-gender woman, my actions as an ‘ally’, orientate from a place of power and privilege. Therefore, I think it is important that we ask the question of community members, listen carefully to their answers and if needed, change our actions”, Lee reflected.

IDAHOBIT also highlights the importance of ongoing education and reflection. Resources available through the IDAHOBIT website encourage people to continue learning about LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences, respectful inclusion and practical ways to support others in workplaces, services and communities.

For many people, allyship is not about having all the answers. Rather, it is about approaching conversations with openness, respect and a willingness to continue learning over time. Members of the RIPWG also highlighted the importance of listening to lived experiences, recognising personal bias and taking meaningful action to help create more inclusive environments for both staff and the communities CCV supports.

“I never ceased to be amazed at what I learn when I allow myself to listen to the experience of others.  Allyship means not turning up as if you know everything, tune in and learn” said Bern, RIPWG member.

“Authentic allyship is about listening to understand the experience of LGBTIQA+ staff and clients within our organisation and exploring your own biases and privilege that may stand in the way of true inclusion.  Allyship also rests on action and showing up to help dismantle barriers for inclusion for both LGBTIQA+ clients and staff”, Sharon, RIPWG member, shared.

Creating welcoming and respectful communities is an ongoing process of listening, learning and supporting one another with compassion and care. At CCV, we remain committed to fostering safe and respectful environments for the diverse communities we walk alongside.

Learn More

To learn more about allyship and respectful inclusion, visit the IDAHOBIT website: About May 17 | IDAHOBIT