Ally Network

About the Ally Network

The UWS Ally Network is a University endorsed group of staff and students who are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful culture at UWS for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and intersex (GLBTI) community members.

What is an Ally?

An Ally is a volunteer (staff or student) from the UWS community who is committed to cultural change and who provides support to GBLTI community members at UWS.

UWS Allies:

• can be identified by the display of an official Ally sticker or Ally button
• provide a welcoming and confidential 'safe zone' for GLBTI staff and students
• demonstrate leadership in the areas of respect and inclusion for GBLTI staff and students
• practice respectful, accepting and non-homophobic language and behaviour that is in keeping with UWS policy work towards increasing the acceptance of diverse sexualities and genders
• develop and promote a greater understanding of the GLBTI community
• promote a community that includes and embraces diverse sexualities and gender
• work to dismantle homophobia and heterosexism
• commit to making positive changes within UWS and the wider community.

UWS Allies are not:

•  experts on GLBTI issues
•  necessarily from the GLBTI community.

^ Back to top

Why become a UWS Ally?

Adopted from the Concordia University Q2 Ally Network (2004)
There are many reasons to become an Ally:

• you could make a difference to your campus environment and the experience of GLBTI staff and students
• you could make the campus a better place for everyone
• you have the opportunity to interact with and learn from a community with which you may not otherwise interact
• your work towards ending homophobia and heterosexism could help members of the GLBTI community develop stronger self-esteem and pride in who they are.

How do I become a UWS Ally?

In order to become a UWS Ally you need to complete a training session, organised by Equity and Diversity. The training session will cover the following topics:

• reflection upon your own assumptions and understanding of GLBTI people
• becoming familiar with the some of the issues faced by GLBTI staff and students such as sexual prejudice and 'coming out'
• overview of the UWS Ally Network and what it means to become an Ally at UWS.

After the training session, you can nominate yourself to become an Ally, and we will provide you with UWS Ally stickers and Ally pin to identify you as an Ally. You may also find that you do not feel comfortable with the role of Ally and decide not become one.

The Ally Network communicates via email and meets four times a year to discuss issues, organise events, and participate in training. We also have a social group that gets together to attend social events.

Concerns that may discourage you from becoming an Ally

Adapted from the University of Waterloo GLOW Ally Network Resource Manual (2006)

• Risk being labelled as gay, lesbian or bisexual by the mainstream community ('by association')
• Risk becoming a victim to overt or subtle discrimination and harassment
• Risk being mocked and ridiculed by people that view GBLTI issues as unimportant and unpopular
• Risk being alienated by friends and colleagues that are not comfortable with you being an Ally

More Information

The Ally Program is a project of the Equity and Diversity Unit. For more information, please contact Tatiana Lozano, Senior Education Officer.

^ Back to top