SQLBits 2024

Anyone can be an alphabet soup ally

Folks that belong to the queer community are often referred to as LGBTQ+, Jess and Linda represent a small portion of the letters within this alphabet soup and they will guide you through some common situations where you can be a good ally. There is no one right answer, but there are ways for you to prepare for certain situations so you know what your best move might be to provide support and allyship. This session will provide tips for people who are new to being an ally and for existing allies who want to add skills to their toolbelt.
Folks that belong to the queer community are often referred to as LGBTQ+, Jess and Linda represent a small portion of the letters within this alphabet soup and they will guide you through some common situations where you can be a good ally.

There is no one right answer, but there are ways for you to prepare for certain situations so you know what your best move might be to provide support and allyship.

As IT gets more diverse we need to act accordingly. To make everyone and anyone feel welcome, accepted, and respected.

We will discuss acknowledging and accepting the privilege that some of us have, from our skin colour, our gender or even our access to education and how we can use this privilege for good.

Listening and learning from other's experiences that differ from yours opens up a possibility for change.

The change often starts with the leadership, and when they lead the way, others will follow.

We will help you become that kind of a leader.

Even outside of the workplace support is important. We will teach you methods to grow from being a passive supporter to an active ally.

Active engagement, empathy, and commitment to helping others can make a big change.

This session will provide tips for people who are new to being an ally and for existing allies who want to add skills to their toolbelt.

By recognising the power of allyship, we aim to inspire others to help make this community as inclusive and diverse as possible and to support all of our alphabet soup friends.