Everyone can be an ally! 

Even if you do not belong to a minority yourself, everyone has a responsibility to help build a better world for all of us. A member of the majority who advocates for minority rights is called an ally. Minorities cannot create change alone; they need the support of the majority. The majority is often able to engage in activism from a safer position, as activism does not immediately threaten their health or safety in the same way. Xamk shows its support by flying flags on campus and supporting local Pride events.

How you can be an ally

Respect self-expression and identity
Use the names and pronouns that people define for themselves.

Learn and listen
You don’t need to know everything. An open mindset and willingness to understand go a long way.

Address inappropriate behaviour
Responding to discrimination or offensive speech is an important part of building a safe environment.

Make your support visible
Even small gestures can increase a sense of safety. 

Recognise your own biases and avoid assumptions
Sexual orientation, gender or family structure cannot be determined based on appearance.

Inclusivity is especially reflected in everyday interactions. Even small changes can make a big difference:

• Use gender-neutral language: “Hello everyone”, “Dear audience” rather than “Ladies and gentlemen”
• Avoid assumptions about relationships; “partner” may be a better term than “girlfriend/boyfriend”
• Give people space for self-identification. If needed, you can ask: “How would you like to be referred to?” This is especially relevant when speaking English
• Consider representation in materials. Do images and examples reflect diverse people and life situations?
• Respect privacy. Everyone decides for themselves what they want to share about their identity.

Small actions, words, gestures and choices create meaningful change. Let’s work together to build a higher education community where everyone has the space to be themselves.