Creating safe spaces for minority employees in your organization is an important part of being an inclusive and equitable employer. Encouraging a wide range of voices and experiences leads to innovation and fosters a community of committed employees. There is an increasing focus among companies on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), leading to global conversations about effectively supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
One effective way to show support for LGBTQ+ employees and promote allyship is by utilizing the R.I.C.E method. This method focuses on four key topics, Resources, Investment, Community, and Education, that you should keep in mind as you develop your diversity plan.
Resources
First, having community resources readily available to your staff is a great way to help encourage them to learn about Queer culture and provide a sense of belonging to your internal LGBTQ+ community. We suggest developing an LGBTQ+ resource guide that you can distribute to your staff, which can include definitions of different identities, a guide to pronouns, and culturally significant history and figures. We love The Safe Zone Project’s Resource List and suggest this as a great starting point for those looking to bulk up their knowledge on the LGBTQ+ community.
Investment
Another way you can showcase your support for the LGBTQ+ community is by investing your time or money into an LGBTQ+ cause. Some ways you can invest in the LGBTQ+ community are partnering with LGBTQ+-owned businesses, investing in an LGBTQ+ organization, donating to nonprofits, sponsoring an event or donation drive, or just volunteering your time! If your organization is interested in furthering its investment in the LGBTQ+ community, consider partnering with one of GLAAD’s featured LGBTQ+ non-profits.
Community
Establishing a sense of community for your LGBTQ+ employees is essential when it comes to advocating for your internal LGBTQ+ population. One way to do this is by establishing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). An ERG is a voluntary, employee-led group aiming to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace by creating a safe space for employees with a common identity. Creating a space for your LGBTQ+ employees to convene and discuss their mutual experience is a great way to garner a sense of belonging at your organization. Plus, it can increase employee engagement by up to 15%!
Education
It is important to provide DEI training for your staff on topics like unconscious biases, the appropriate language around identities, and the significance of respecting pronouns to support your LGBTQ+ employees. Conducting frequent training sessions throughout the year showcases your commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and relieves your Queer employees from the responsibility of educating their colleagues on these topics. To best advocate for your employees, we suggest partnering with your LGBTQ+ employees to ensure your diversity training accurately represents their experience and consulting reliable resources from organizations like The Human Rights Campaign when organizing your presentation.
Putting R.I.C.E. into Action
In conclusion, creating a safe and inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ employees is an important step that companies can take to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and inclusion. By providing resources, investing in LGBTQ+ organizations, building a sense of community, and developing an education plan, companies can become true allies of the LGBTQ+ community. These efforts can help create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ employees and promote a culture of acceptance and respect in the workplace.
