I ensure that I have a progress pride bracelet, pin, or other clearly visible symbol of allieship on me at all times. I also have prominently displayed safe space signage around my office. There should be zero ambiguity of my support - my hope is that this both makes 2SLGBTQIA+ and any other marginalized individuals feel welcome around me, and I also find it reduces inappropriate jokes or comments from the broader organization. People KNOW that I will make a stink if they are assholes. I try to ensure a safe bubble around me.
The other thing I do is try to make it clear to my team that I care about them as people - they aren’t cogs in a machine.
Ultimately, it’s up to my team members to decide if talking with me will help or hurt. I just try to make sure that my door is wide open.
I tackle this two ways.
I ensure that I have a progress pride bracelet, pin, or other clearly visible symbol of allieship on me at all times. I also have prominently displayed safe space signage around my office. There should be zero ambiguity of my support - my hope is that this both makes 2SLGBTQIA+ and any other marginalized individuals feel welcome around me, and I also find it reduces inappropriate jokes or comments from the broader organization. People KNOW that I will make a stink if they are assholes. I try to ensure a safe bubble around me.
The other thing I do is try to make it clear to my team that I care about them as people - they aren’t cogs in a machine.
Ultimately, it’s up to my team members to decide if talking with me will help or hurt. I just try to make sure that my door is wide open.