Allyship in action and commitment to showing up

Pride Month is a time to actively celebrate the LGBTQ+ community — its resilience, joy, and power. But it’s also a time to reflect on the roles we all play in shaping inclusion, affirming spaces where everyone is welcomed and supported.

Our ongoing efforts to create an inclusive workplace have earned us a position in the Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List for nine years in a row. In 2023, we placed an incredible eighth.

We know that allyship is more than just support — it's action, growth, and connection. Three of our colleagues – Hayley, Sam, and Rita – share what allyship means to them and why it matters.

Hayley: “It’s just part of who I am."

For Hayley Ball, being an ally isn’t something she has to think twice about — it’s woven into her values and how she shows up for others every day.

Allyship, for Hayley, is about consistency and humility. She speaks up when she hears bias but never tries to take centre stage. She listens, learns, and leads with empathy: “Honestly, it’s the most natural thing because, at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to live our best lives… Their happiness and wellbeing mean the world to me, and being there for them, in whatever way they need, is something I wouldn’t trade for anything. 

Being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community? It’s just part of who I am, plain and simple. It means standing right there with the people I care about, making sure everyone feels safe, respected and totally seen for who they are.

Hayley reminds us that allyship isn’t performative — it’s personal. And during Pride and beyond, allies like her help push for a culture that doesn’t just accept difference but actively celebrates it.

Sam: Finding inspiration in family

For Sam, allyship began with a moment in secondary school that’s stuck with him for years: “I noticed my cousin Owen being bullied for wearing eyeshadow and mascara, so I stepped in to make sure he was okay.” Now, years later, Owen performs as an amateur drag artist, thriving with unapologetic authenticity. Sam never forgot the bravery his cousin showed at such a young age.

“Although I’ve never told him, he has always been an inspiration to me. Despite knowing that people would point and make comments, he has never once tried to hide who he truly is.”

Owen’s courage helped Sam understand that allyship isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s about paying attention, offering protection, and letting others inspire you to grow.

Rita: From curiosity to conscious allyship

Rita’s journey into allyship started with a quiet realisation — and grew into something transformative: “Before I became a ‘conscious’ ally, I liked gay men and felt comfortable. But I hadn’t thought much about lesbian, bi, or trans people — simply because I hadn’t really ‘seen’ them.”

That changed when she met a colleague who spoke openly about her girlfriend, and again when she joined a queer orchestra in Munich.

“At the beginning, I was afraid to say something wrong… but then I realised: what does it even matter if someone is straight or not? We play music together. We connect. That’s what matters.”

Through music and shared experience, Rita learned what it’s like to be “on the other side” — navigating fear, learning language, and letting go of assumptions. Today, she serves on the board of the orchestra, helps maintain a safe space for LGBTQ+ musicians and allies, and volunteers in LGBTQ+ conference planning.

“I now avoid the word ‘normal’ in many contexts. What is normal? And who am I to define it?”

Allyship is a journey, not a destination

These insights — different in origin, but united in spirit — remind us that allyship is about showing up with openness and intention. It means confronting our own biases, supporting those around us, and creating space for others to be fully themselves.

We believe Pride isn’t just a month — it’s a commitment. And allyship is a crucial part of that commitment. Whether you’re learning, listening, advocating, or amplifying, your presence matters. Let’s continue to keep showing up for each other — and keep building a future where everyone, regardless of identity, can thrive.