LGBTQ+ History Month: Why Allyship and Inclusion Must Go Beyond Visibility

It was an absolute privilege to join colleagues and friends at the LGBTQ+ History Month Allyship event hosted by Energy Networks Association (ENA) in partnership with Pride in Energy and FFLAG (Charity Reg. No. 1079918 and to reflect on what visibility, allyship and inclusion truly mean in practice.

At ENA we heard powerful stories about courage, fear and authenticity and were reminded that for many people, the question “Who still feels like they have to hide who they are?” isn’t rhetorical, it’s lived reality.

The history of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go was brought vividly to life in personal reflections shared by speakers and attendees alike. It underscored something I deeply believe: inclusion isn’t just about being present, it’s about being truly seen, heard and valued for the whole of who we are.

Too often organisations mistake surface-level tolerance for genuine inclusion. But as was highlighted throughout the event, inclusion isn’t a buzzword or a box to be ticked, it’s a behavioural practice, a choice we make every day and a leadership commitment we must live out in how we treat each other in everyday interactions, to ensure everyone is seen, heard and valued.

Thank you to ENA, Pride in Energy, FFLAG and everyone who shared their stories and insights and to all of you in our community who continue to work to make workplaces and societies where people don’t have to hide who they are.