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What does it mean to be an Ally

Writer's picture: Meg BearMeg Bear

Updated: Jan 13


Just wrapped up my very first Lesbians who tech and alliesSummit and it was everything I was hoping it would be and a bit more. I have been wanting to attend this summit for several years. It is local, and has great speakers, but October conference season is no joke. This year I made the commitment and I’m thrilled I did.


Ally as a verb


I have been pondering the call to action that Chasten Buttigieg said so well – this is the season for active allyship not self appointed titles.



If we agree that empathy is a critical leadership skill then we know that perspective taking is a growth investment we should all be making.



One of my personal investment areas is the compounding impacts of intersectionality. I want to understand better the opportunity gaps of intersectional minorities and how we might design and create a more equitable and inclusive #FutureOfWork.


I also want to understand how to better solicit and invite allies to participate in #DEIB outcomes, since fixing a problem that is with a majority group requires privilege sharing and behavior change of said majority.


Concretely, I want to be more curious about blind spots, with a growth mindset and bias to action. I want to find a way to build more allies vs. expanding shame. I want to build good-ish habits and expand my own meta-thinking on the topic with an eye to inventing the future.

In short, I have a lot to learn from Lesbians 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ and #LWTSummit was a great place for me to learn.


A few key take-aways


  • Don’t forget Joy – Jennifer Beals reminded everyone that we need to find the joy in what we are doing and that is an active not a passive goal. Building opportunities and moments to experience joy is critical.



  • Build community – Probably one of the most visceral things was the feeling of community. In both words and actions the investment in community and the welcome to community was clear.

  • Expand your understanding – so much of the content was focused on thinking more inclusively and expansively. Very timely for my broader goals. The audience diversity in age, background, ethnicity, identity, lived experience, and functional role was visible and clear – everyone was there to connect and learn from each other.

  • Bring a friend – Learning is better together. Huge shout to Amy Wilson for always saying “yes” and joining me in my learning journey.



  • Space matters – Blocking off the Castro and giving space for relaxed conversations made it easier to engage. As we reflect on the office experience of the future and all the return to work conversations there is a real opportunity to learn here.



Deep Gratitude


I know that I will be taking this experience with me as I continue my own expansive learning journey.


The new friends I have met as part of the Lesbians Who Tech & Allies :: Queer. Inclusive. Badass Executive Advisory Board are helping me ask some important questions.


Thank you Leanne Pittsford, Pilar Andrus and the entire #LWTSquad for leading by example with such an inclusive and welcoming community.


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