Allyship
We need to understand allyship as a way of putting intersectionality into practice to achieve equity.
Introduction
This section explores what allyship is and how it fits with intersectionality. It will help you to use allyship as a practice method for applying the lens of intersectionality.
We cover the principles that underpin being an ally and how this links to co-production and strengths-based practice.
Watch our short film for an introduction to allyship.
Length: 10 minutes.
Analogy - Boots and sandals
Imagine you’re wearing a heavy boot that represents privilege, and you’re stepping on the foot of someone who’s only wearing sandals. If that person says, ‘Ouch, you’re stepping on my toes!’ how do you react? Do you react by …
- … ‘centring yourself: ‘I can’t believe you think I’m a toe-stepper! I’m a good person!’
- … denial that others’ experiences are different from your own: ‘I don’t mind when people step on my toes.’
- … derailing: ‘Some people don’t even have toes. Why aren’t we talking about them instead?’
- … refusal to centre the impacted: ‘All toes matter!’
- … tone policing: ‘I’d move my foot if you’d ask me more nicely.’
- … denial that the problem is fixable: ‘Toes getting stepped on is a fact of life. You’ll be better off when you accept that.’
- … victim blaming: ‘You shouldn’t have been walking among people with boots!’
- … withdrawing: ‘I thought you wanted my help, but I guess not. I’ll just go home.’
(Pizzo, P. (n-d)
Use this tool below to reflect on the boots and sandals analogy.
This tool helps you to consider allyship as a mode of practice.
Understanding allyship
The following sections consider how we can better understand allyship and use a range of models in practice.
We need to understand allyship as a way of putting intersectionality into practice to achieve equity.
Allyship models can be used as a practice method for applying the lens of intersectionality.
A guide to allyship: Website
The guide to allyship website is Amélie Lamonte’s open-source starter guide to becoming ‘a more thoughtful and effective ally’.
Boots and sandals: Metaphor
Pizzo, P. (n-d). Understanding privilege: “Boots and sandals”. In Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team, How to be an ally. Queen Mary University of London.
Allyship and Advocacy: Resource
Hua, J., Tang, M., & Ko, M. E. (2017). Allyship and advocacy. Stanford Center for Teaching and Learning.
Advocacy v Allyship: Understanding the Differences: Website
Pulsely. (n-d). Advocacy vs allyship: Understanding the differences.
Allyship – what this is and why this matters: Film
Skill Boosters (now VinciWorks). (2022, January 26). Introduction to allyship. YouTube.
