49 out of 50. That’s the number of states with active anti-trans legislation in place right now.1
The Goods Inside
- About Our Guest Co-Author
- 5 Accessible Allyship Tips
- Turning Ally Into a Verb
At OLLY, we believe in the freedom to show up as ourselves 100% of the time. We believe in building a culture where everyone can thrive, where everyone receives fair and equal treatment, and where we celebrate what makes all of us who we are. And we recognize that this freedom has historically been undermined for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
If you’re looking for ways to show up for trans and nonbinary friends right now, feel unsure about where to start, or if you’re curious about accessible ways to demonstrate this in everyday life, keep reading.
We had the pleasure of speaking with an expert about actionable tips that we can use to foster inclusive environments for all, inside and outside of the workplace.
“If you don't know where to start and have no resources, it starts with you. What you do. How you show up.”
1. Normalize Pronoun Introductions
New to a room? Or a person? Introduce yourself with your pronouns. And then ask others theirs. It’s a simple act that affirms who you really are and empowers everyone around you to do the same. It’s important to note that some people aren’t going to tell you their pronouns. They might say a nickname or brush it off. Let them. They might not feel safe to disclose. Here’s a quick 3-step guide to make the first moments of meeting someone a lot more inclusive.2
Step 1: Hi, my name is _____
Step 2: My pronouns are _____
Step 3: How should I refer to you?
2. Correct With Care
If you hear someone misgendering others in real time, don’t be afraid to correct them. Just a simple “it’s (correct pronoun), not (incorrect pronoun)” goes a long way here. Kat suggests you “repeat it every time they get the pronoun wrong,” when they do it. It only takes about 3 per conversation before a brain starts to catch up.”3
It doesn’t have to be a lengthy lecture that has grounds to make both parties feel discomfort or shame. Just a quick correction, “the same way you would if someone was using the wrong name.”3 Always act respectfully and of course, be kind.
“If you hear someone misgendering others in real time, don’t be afraid to correct them in real time. Just a simple ‘it’s (correct pronoun), not (incorrect pronoun) goes a long way.”
3. Own Your Mistakes
If you misuse a pronoun by accident, don’t panic. Just own it, apologize sincerely and commit to doing better next time. That’s it. Accountability is key in demonstrating authentic allyship.
4. Know the Power of Subtle Cues
We know that allyship can take many forms—even via the backdrop of a video call. In an increasingly hybrid-remote working world, consider adding something that signals your allyship in the background.2 A piece of art, a sign, candle, pillow, poster… whatever fits you and relays “I see you and I stand with you” at the same time.
5. Add Pronouns to Your Online Presence
If your social media profile—personal or professional—has the dropdown option to add your pronouns, do it. While you’re at it, add it to your email signature, too. Maybe toss it into your display name too? Why not? The more we do this, the more we normalize it for all; therein, the more safe spaces we cultivate online.
“Pronoun awareness is an act of allyship. We need to see cisgendered pronouns just as much as we see those from gender-non-conforming folx.2”
Turning “Ally” Into a Verb
These are all simple acts that affirm, encourage, and foster inclusivity for all. Your allyship makes a difference—and no act is too small to be meaningful. As Kat puts it, “If you don’t know where to start and have no resources, it starts with you. What you do. How you show up.” So, friends, let’s do what we can to show up.
References
1 American Civil Liberties Union. (2025). Legislative attacks on LGBTQ rights. https://www.aclu.org/legislative-attacks-on-lgbtq-rights-2025 - New Window
2 Kibben, K. (n.d.). Building belonging: Pronouns + inclusive language at work. Three Ears Media.
3 Kibben, K. (n.d.). How to correct someone who misgenders others. Three Ears Media. https://threeearsmedia.com/how-to-correct-someone-who-misgenders-others/ - New Window
