Entry by Lauren Nader

Definition: 

An ally can be defined as ‘a person who associates or cooperates with another’ (Dictionary.com, n.d.). They show their support for a particular group/individual or a cause. Allies can be in direct relationships with the people they support (grassroots) or show their solidarity across different mediums and locations. 

In most cases, an ally comes from a group that is less marginalised than the group they support. For instance, a white ally can protest at a Black Lives Matter movement or purposefully purchase from a minority-owned business. When white allies educate themselves on their privilege and how systems of racism inherently benefit them, they can begin to do the work that supports the lives of POCs and help to dismantle systems of inequality that exist all around us. Similarly, when those in the straight community advocate for LGBTQI+ rights, they will also do the work that is needed to uplift the queer community, whether this is protesting for their civil rights or condemning forms of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. 

Historical context:

Throughout history a large group of people have been marginalised, whether this is due to their skin colour, religion, sexual orientation, gender, social class or disability. Some people believe that they are better than those who are from minority groups as such, and thus demonstrate superior behaviour. They are not educated on the fact that these minority groups are also people, with feelings, and these need to be respected.

“Ally” comes from the Latin word alligare, meaning “to bind to,” like nations who are allies in wartime — they will act together, and protect one another. You can also use ally as a verb, meaning “join forces with”’ (Vocabulary, 2019). 

The term often refers to the action of collaborating in a way that promotes protection of both parties. A famous example of when this terminology was used was during the First World War, when particular nations joined forces, such as Britain, France and Russia, in order to form an alliance and help one another with war supplies and aid. In fact, ‘in the German-speaking world, the definition of the word Alliierte (Allies) is only apparently fixed. Most people associate this term with the leading powers in the coalition against Hitler during the Second World War’ (Alliierten Museum, n.d.). 

Nonetheless, the multicultural learning initiatives of the early 1980s, suggested the concept of an ally in a slightly different sense. This idea emphasised a social justice ally, ‘someone who is not like you and does not suffer the same oppressions, but who supports your struggle for rights and freedom’ (McElya, 2019:3). This definition is one that is immensely important because it shows how people can help those who are often segregated within society. Individuals should seek to understand and celebrate difference, rather than use it as a reason to discriminate.

In relation to pedagogy and higher education within the UK:

The University of Greenwich produced a list of hints and tips for allies of queers: 

• Speak out about why you are committed to equality
• Be a mentor for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender colleagues
• Ask your managers about what they are doing to make your team or work-environment more gay-friendly
• Don’t be afraid of saying the wrong thing, just ask LGBT colleagues and friends for advice
• Help colleagues become straight allies too by coaching them on how they can make a difference
• Talk openly about your lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender friends and family at work Challenge any homophobic comments or ‘banter’ firmly and immediately
• If a colleagues wants to come out be clear you will support them
• Explain why gay equality is important to you in team meetings, inductions and supervisionsTalk to your gay friends and colleagues about what challenges they face at work
• Make your support for gay equality public, wear your badge with pride Support the LGBT Staff Network and attend events like Pride

Through universities following advice as such, they will be able to create a safe environment for students and staff members from the LGBTQ+ community and as a result encourage more equality for them from the wider society. They should feel that they are accepted rather than marginalised and understand that they have allies who are there to support them.

Similarly, the University of Kent explains that there are two different types of allyship: effective allyship and performative allyship. What is the difference between these two forms of allyship? The answer is simple: effective allies don’t just talk about change, they take action and initiative to lead the change they want to see. Performative allies are allies only in name. Their “support” of a marginalised group is often just when it’s convenient for them and can actually be harmful to a group.

It is important for an individual who identifies as an ‘ally’ to comprehend the two different types so that they can discover whether they truly are an ally. What is their main reason for being an ally? Who are they an ally for? What work do they do as an ally? These types of questions are effective starting points to work out whether they are an ally for the right reasons or whether they say they are simply for the title benefiting themselves. Minority groups largely rely on the support of others in order to further their fight for equality. For example, White students can attend Black history week events in order to learn more about Black heritage and the ways that they can advocate for their peers.

This begs the question of how universities can be good allies to minority groups? Less privileged individuals such as refugees from other countries should be given the opportunity to study and work in British universities without facing discrimination. The topic of refugees is often considered taboo by people, and it is usually those who are not from a minority group or do not empathise with minority groups, that judge and continue to judge. Just because someone has been fortunate enough to not have to struggle through their upbringing and within their daily lives does not mean that they are superior. It simply means that they have to ensure less challenges that some people face such as earning money for food and drink, shelter, safety, not to mention the endless amount of bullying and prejudices that they face. Refugees, flee war and other unsafe situations, and if they are fortunate enough to find a way to escape then they should be able to leave for a better life for themselves and their family. They should not be marginalised but instead should be supported and protected by students and/or colleagues. 

References:

Alliierten Museum (n.d.). “Allies“ – A Term with Shifting Meanings. [online] Available at: https://www.alliiertenmuseum.de/en/thema/allies-a-term-with-shifting-meanings 

Black Lives Matter (2013). About Black Lives Matter. [online] Black Lives Matter. Available at: https://blacklivesmatter.com/about 

Dickerson, K.C. (2019). ‘It absolutely impacts every day’: Diversity allies connect racial history and current climate at a southern professional school. Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, 1.

Dictionary.com (2019). Definition of ally. [online] Available at: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/ally 

How to be an ally for Black lives. (2020). Medical News Today. [online] 28 Aug. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-be-an-ally-for-black-lives 

McElya, M. (2019). A brief history of the social justice ally. Boston Review, Somerville, 3.

University of Greenwich (n.d.). Straight Allies | LGBT+ Staff Community. [online] Available at: https://www.gre.ac.uk/lgbt/straight-allies 

University of Kent (n.d.). Allyship Resources | Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity [online] Available at: https://www.kent.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusivity/effective-allyship 

Vocabulary.com (2019). ally – Dictionary Definition. [online] Available at: https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/ally 

Suggested readings: 

Melaku, T.M., Beeman,  A., Smith, D.G. and  Johnson, W.B. (2020). Be a Better Ally. [online] Available at: https://hbr.org/2020/11/be-a-better-ally (an article on how to improve your allyship skills)

The Guide to Allyship (n.d.). The Guide to Allyship. [online] Available at: https://guidetoallyship.com/ (a guide that offers tips on how to become a social justice ally)

YWCA (n.d.). ALLIES Things Can Do [online] Available at: http://www.ywcahbg.org/sites/default/files/manager/10%20Things%20Allies%20Can%20Do.pdf (a poster showing 10 things that you can do to become a social justice ally)

YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish. (n.d.). What’s the Difference Between an Ally and Accomplice? [online] Available at: https://www.ywcaworks.org/blogs/ywca/tue-12212021-1103/whats-difference-between-ally-and-accomplice (an article explaining the transition from ally to accomplice) 

Questions to ask:

1. What words come to mind when you think of the word ‘ally’?
2. How can you improve your allyship?
3. Do you believe that you are an ally? If yes, to who and why?