PROUD Allies at West Yorkshire Combined Authority

We have a lot happening at [email protected] at the moment. The past few months a core group of LGBTQIA+ employees have been working collaboratively to draft a strategy document to be signed off by our Directors. In this we set out our purpose, mission, vision and action plan for the next 12 months. A big part of that is creating a working environment in the Combined Authority that we truly feel proud of - one where we all feel included. For that to happen we are very much aware that the group can't do this alone, we need allies.

What is an ally in this context?

An ally, straight ally, or heterosexual ally is a heterosexual or cisgender person who supports and/ or accepts LGBTQIA+ social movements, challenging what they perceive as homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. In other words, a person who is not LGBTQIA+ but uses their privilege to support LGBTQ people and promote equality. Allies stand up and speak out even when the people they're allying for aren't there, not just at Pride parades.

We are so excited to launch our new PROUD Allies employee network to work together on creating a working environment in the Combined Authority that we truly feel PROUD of!