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.)
Here, there's room for everyone. Except for discrimination.
At May 17 we celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. We are all part of the solution. Join IKEA in celebrating the International Day Against These Forms of Prejudice.
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
Some LGBT+ terms might be new to you. That's okay. Take time to learn about inclusive language and the challenges LGBT+ people face. When someone shares their experience, listen without downplaying what they say. If someone talks about discrimination, recognise it as real. We all make mistakes. If you slip up, simply say sorry and move forward.
Use inclusive language
Words matter. They can welcome people or leave them out. Say "partner" instead of assuming "husband" or "wife". Use "everyone" rather than "ladies and gentlemen". Families come in many forms: two mums, two dads, one parent, or other arrangements. These small changes in how we speak help everyone feel they belong.
Be respectful
Everyone deserves dignity and respect. Approach conversations with empathy and an open heart. Each person's experience is unique, with challenges you might not see. Connect through thoughtful conversations. Ask questions that show you care. Listen to understand, not just to respond. These small gestures create spaces where everyone belongs.
Respond to hurtful comments
Words carry weight, even without bad intentions. When you hear LGBT+ terms used negatively or inappropriate jokes, speak up. Calmly explain why it's harmful. Check in privately with anyone affected to offer support. Most people appreciate the chance to learn. Your intervention helps create an environment where everyone's identity is treated with dignity.
Own your mistakes
We're all learning. Sometimes we use the wrong name or pronoun. Don't panic. Simply acknowledge it, say "I'm sorry" without excuses, and continue the conversation. How your words affect someone matters more than what you meant. Most people appreciate an honest apology and the willingness to learn. Owning our mistakes creates space for real connections.
Inspire others
Being an ally starts with understanding. Explore books, podcasts and websites by LGBT+ people. Learn about challenges in your local area, as these vary by culture and resources. Share what you learn with friends and family. Join Pride events and community gatherings. Your presence shows solidarity. As language evolves, keep refreshing your knowledge through diverse LGBT+ voices.
Uplifting diverse voices
LGBT+ people from different backgrounds have different stories. Seek out books, videos and podcasts by LGBT+ people from many cultures. Look for voices not often heard. When people share how ethnicity, religion, ability or age shapes their LGBT+ experience, listen carefully. Give space without interrupting. Thank those who share and respect their work.
See the whole person
Being LGBT+ is one part of who someone is. People also have different backgrounds, abilities, beliefs and cultures. These parts work together to shape each person's experience. An LGBT+ person might also face challenges related to ethnicity, disability, age or religion. When you support LGBT+ people, recognise and respect all parts of who they are.
Respect names and pronouns
Names and pronouns matter to people's identity. Using the wrong ones can make someone feel unseen. If you're unsure which pronouns someone uses, it's okay to ask politely. If you make a mistake, apologise, correct yourself and continue. Don't assume based on appearance. Gender expression doesn't always tell you someone's pronouns. Using the right names and pronouns helps everyone feel seen and valued.
Avoid assumptions
We all make quick judgements based on appearance, but these are often wrong. Clothing, voice or mannerisms don't reveal sexual orientation or gender identity. Create space for people to share who they are on their own terms. Use gender-neutral language when meeting new people. Ask open questions that don't presume anything. This respectful approach helps everyone feel seen for who they truly are.
Support gender diversity
Transgender people face unique daily challenges. When someone shares their experience, listen without questioning. Notice everyday activities you might take for granted: using public toilets, getting healthcare, updating documents. These can be difficult barriers. Small gestures matter. A warm smile or a friendly chat can provide real relief. Being an ally is about actions, not just words. Your consistent support helps transgender people feel valued and respected.
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.
There are lots of terms specific to the LGBT+ community. Explore our LGBT+ glossary here.
International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia
Everybody should have somewhere they’re welcome, included and accepted. Too many in the LGBT+ community, face a real inclusion gap. Together, let’s make sure everyone in the LGBT+ community feels at home. Get to know some of the stories of our co-workers, as we mark together the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.
- 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.
