LGBT+ Inclusion – Everyday Allyship
Sharing one's LGBT+ identity can be an anxious experience, but when met with love and acceptance, it can make all the difference.
We know that support at home builds self-confidence and a sense of belonging that’s carried out into the world. Not only that, support and acceptance are free ingredients.
When there’s so much to say, nothing to say, or you can’t find the words, start with a hug. (And if a hug is not wanted, just say it’s ok.)
A guide for becoming an everyday ally
This guide reflects our commitment as IKEA, to creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, respected and free to be themselves. Use these tips on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) and, most importantly, every day to make a positive difference in the lives of LGBT+ people around you.
Learn by Listening
Take time to learn inclusive language and about the challenges LGBT+ people Face. Listen actively and acknowledge their lived experience. If you slip up, simply apologize and move forward respectfully.
Use inclusive language
The words we choose can sometimes welcome or exclude people. Try using "everyone" or saying "partner" instead of assuming "husband" or "wife." Families come in many forms and small changes can help everyone feel they belong.
Be respectful
Everyone deserves dignity and respect, regardless of who they are. Take the initiative to connect through thoughtful conversation and listen to understand rather than respond. Small gestures create spaces where everyone belongs.
Respond to hurtful comments
Words carry weight, even when people don't intend harm. When you hear LGBT+ terms used negatively or inappropriate jokes, calmly explain why they're harmful. Check in privately with those affected to offer support. Your intervention helps create dignity for all.
Own your mistakes
We're all learning and growing, and sometimes we get things wrong. Don't panic. Simply acknowledge what happened, offer a sincere "I'm sorry," and continue the conversation.
Inspire others
Start by exploring resources like books and podcasts by LGBT+ people. Share what you've learned with friends and family. Join LGBT+ events like Pride parades. Your presence shows solidarity and inspires others.
Uplifting diverse voices
LGBT+ people from different backgrounds have different life stories. Find books, videos, and podcasts by LGBT+ people from many cultures, especially voices not often heard.
See the whole person
Being LGBT+ is just one part of who someone is. People also have different backgrounds, abilities, beliefs, and cultures that shape their lives. These different aspects work together to create unique experiences.
Avoid assumptions
It’s easy to judge someone based on appearance. Instead of guessing someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity, create space for people to share who they are on their own terms. This helps everyone feel seen for who they truly are.
Respect names and pronouns
Names and pronouns are important to people's identity and helps transgender and non-binary people feel seen and valued. If you're not sure which pronouns someone uses, it's okay to politely ask. If you make a mistake, apologise and continue the conversation.
Support gender diversity
People with diverse gender experiences may face different challenges in daily life. When someone shares their experiences, listen with respect and without judgment, recognising that circumstances vary. Your consistent, respectful support helps create environments where everyone feels valued and treated with dignity.
How IKEA takes action for the LGBT+ community
IKEA has been a long-standing advocate in its efforts to make people within the LGBT+ community feel welcomed, respected, and appreciated for who they are. In 1994, an IKEA commercial on TV featured a male couple searching for the right dining room table. Widely believed to be one of the earliest LGBT+ advertisements, the commercial made headlines around the world.
As an employer, our LGBT+ inclusion approach and policies help us create an inclusive workplace where LGBT+ co-workers feel welcome, safe and valued. We know there is still much work to be done and will continue focusing on equal opportunities at work, as well as championing equality at home.
- IKEA CZECHIA/HUNGARY/SLOVAKIA: Advocating for change in society. Czechia: Signed an open letter to the prime minister to support equal marriage, Slovakia: One of the initiators of a letter signed by 66 big companies and addressed to the government to stop hate and polarization against LGBT+ people.
- IKEA UK & IRELAND: Gave proceeds from the sale of the “Rainbow Cake” to external partner Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline, which was established in 1974 and provides support and information to the LGBT+ community.
- IKEA NETHERLANDS: Now offers co-workers who are undergoing gender-affirming care the possibility of taking a maximum of 24 weeks of paid leave to use over a period of 10 years, for medical and non-medical procedures.
- IKEA AUSTRALIA: Introduced paid gender-affirming care leave for co-workers and inclusive parental leave policies including fertility treatment. Made donation to LGBT+ youth charity around IDAHOBIT and published a pronouns guide.
- IKEA ITALY: On May 17, 2023, IKEA Italy announced that it will now provide co-workers going into gender affirmation six weeks of paid gender affirmation leave. Introduction of policy ensuring an increasingly inclusive working environment for transgender people working in the company.
- IKEA GERMANY: We celebrate Pride in various cities with about 500 participants. We provide information to queer parents about same status for parental leave. Signed a positioning paper to the government on: LGBT+ blood donation and Selbstbestimmungs Act.
- IKEA SWITZERLAND: Replaced maternity and paternity leave with parental leave that includes same-sex couples. This followed the active participation in the public debate prior to the national vote on extended paternity leave and marriage for all.
- IKEA US and IKEA CANADA: Have both begun implementation of the Chosen Name Project which enables trans and non-binary co-workers to use their chosen name on the company’s digital platforms.
- IKEA US has expanded benefits to now include reimbursement for travel expenses for medical procedures related to gender affirmation care when the services are not available within a reasonable distance of a co-worker’s home.
- IKEA CANADA: We are celebrating IDAHOBIT and Pride in five major cities in Canada and raising the Progress Flag in all units. We are donating proceeds from STORSTOMMA bags to LGBT+ organizations. We have introduced pronoun name tags.
- IKEA JAPAN: For the first time we raised the Progress Pride flag outside all units in Japan during April – May for Japan’s biggest Pride event and IDAHOBIT.
- IKEA FRANCE: Officially signed the commitment charter of L’Autre Cercle, a French organisation working to enhance LGBT+ inclusion in the workplace. They also established “IKEA Pride France”, a resource group for our French co-workers.
- IKEA SERBIA recently launched, together with other companies in the country, the Equality Business Alliance, a unique alliance of companies aiming to advance LGBT+ equality in the workplace and society.
- IKEA SPAIN: The benefits policy has been without sexual orientation discrimination and since 2022, we have been running annual awareness campaigns with co-workers for PRIDE month, plus donating proceedings form the sale of the STORSTOMMA bag.
Show the world you’re an ally
Showing your support on the go...
