"Allyship is an English-language neologism used in contemporary social justice activism to describe efforts by groups of people to advance the interests of marginalized groups both in society at large and in particular social contexts..."
The act of supporting and advocating for individuals who experience discrimination or oppression based on their gender identity.
Gender identity: Understanding and respecting different gender identities beyond the binary notion of male and female.
Sexual orientation: Recognizing and respecting individuals who identify with a different sexual orientation than your own.
Intersectionality: Acknowledging the complexity and intersection of multiple identities and how they impact an individual's experiences.
Pronouns: Learning about personal pronouns and using them correctly and respectfully.
Privilege and oppression: Recognizing how privilege and oppression intersect with different identities and how to use privilege in support of marginalized groups.
Empathy and active listening: Developing empathy and active listening skills to better understand the experiences and needs of others.
Microaggressions: Recognizing and avoiding common microaggressions, subtle acts of discrimination towards marginalized groups.
Safe spaces: Understanding the role of safe spaces and creating inclusive environments for marginalized groups.
Advocacy and allyship: Developing actionable strategies to advocate for and support marginalized groups in everyday life.
Language and terminology: Understanding and using inclusive language and terminology that respects individuals of all gender identities.
Transgender allyship: Supporting individuals who identify as transgender or gender-nonconforming through advocacy, education, and amplifying their voices in a world that often marginalizes and discriminated against them.
Non-binary allyship: Advocating for individuals who identify as non-binary, meaning they do not identify as exclusively male or female, and often face social stigma, discrimination, and lack of recognition.
Intersex allyship: Advocating for individuals born with physical sex characteristics that do not fit typical male or female classifications, challenging the widespread misconception and discrimination, and providing support for their rights and needs.
Two-spirit allyship: Advocacy for indigenous people's who identify with two-spirit identities, encompassing diverse gender and sexual identities outside of the conventional male-female binary and often stigmatized and discriminated against.
Cisgender allyship: Supporting individuals whose gender identity aligns with their biological sex, challenging gender stereotypes, and standing against discrimination and marginalization based on gender identity and expression.
Feminist allyship: Supporting gender equity and advocating for dismantling patriarchal structures and gender-based oppressions that harm individuals based on gender.
LGBT+ allyship: Supporting diverse sexual orientations and gender identities and actively advocating for LGBT+ rights, eradicating discrimination, and amplifying their voices and visibility.
Intersectional allyship: Addressing the complex intersections between gender identity, race, ethnicity, class, ability, and other dimensions of identity and advocating for those who face multiple forms of marginalization.
Allyship in the workplace: Promoting inclusive work environments, challenging gender stereotypes, and supporting policies and practices that offer equal opportunities and respect for all genders.
"The term and related behaviors are controversial, with critics alleging that allyship is an ideological, performative, and insincere notion that may ignore prior concepts of tolerance and solidarity."
"The term entered widespread use during the 2010s and the presidency of Donald Trump."
"Its usage has grown especially common in political activism and organizational rhetoric since the murder of George Floyd and the beginning of the international George Floyd protests in May 2020."
"Proponents of the concept say that allyship can be a response to most forms of discrimination, such as racism, ableism, xenophobia, and sexism."
"Outcomes of allyship that are considered desirable by its advocates include greater inclusion in the workplace and empowerment of outgroups."
"Some advocates of allyship may define it in routes of activism, such as changing to more inclusive use of language, removing bias from hiring and promotion processes, and combating perceived forms of prejudice against disadvantaged groups."
"Other proponents of the term describe it as a 'lifelong process' that cannot be limited to individual behaviors or patterns of behavior."
"Conversely, Black workers have reported that performative and excessive demonstrations of allyship have negatively impacted their quality of life and comfort within their workplaces."
"The term and related behaviors are controversial..."
"...the presidency of Donald Trump" and "the murder of George Floyd."
"Its usage has grown especially common in political activism and organizational rhetoric..."
"Allyship can be a response to most forms of discrimination, such as racism, ableism, xenophobia, and sexism."
"Outcomes of allyship that are considered desirable by its advocates include greater inclusion in the workplace and empowerment of outgroups."
"Changing to more inclusive use of language, removing bias from hiring and promotion processes, and combating perceived forms of prejudice against disadvantaged groups."
"Other proponents of the term describe it as a 'lifelong process' that cannot be limited to individual behaviors or patterns of behavior."
"Performative and excessive demonstrations of allyship have negatively impacted their quality of life and comfort within their workplaces."
"Critics alleging that allyship is an ideological, performative, and insincere notion..."
"...in 2021, it was announced as Dictionary.com's 'Word of the Year.'"
"...alleging that allyship is an ideological, performative, and insincere notion that may ignore prior concepts of tolerance and solidarity."