IDAHOBIT & Pride Month - Proud to Know You
At C&A, we want to inspire you every day not just to look good, but to feel and do good, too. We stand in solidarity with LGBTI+ community and support equal rights for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and variations of sex characteristics. Although LGBTI+ rights have come a long way, true equality is still a distant dream. Exclusion starts early on: LGBTI+ young people around the world face bullying in schools, lack of access to jobs, and experience discrimination every day. This carries on later in life.
Marking this year’s International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia and celebrating Pride month, we want to turn the spotlight on the LGBTI+ community and their amazing allies who support them on their journey.
We are putting the focus on transgender, non-binary and asexual experiences in particular, and the actions we can all take to stand for inclusion of trans, non-binary and ace people. Watch these inspirational stories of true allyship and find out what you can do to become an ally for change!
#DoAsAlliesDo
Get to know Tida & Florian
Tida (she/her) is a transgender woman. A trans person is someone whose gender differs from the one assigned to them at birth. Florian (he/him) is not only Tida’s husband but also her biggest supporter and most important ally in her life. When Tida opened up towards him, he first felt a bit insecure. But then realized, it’s not the gender you fall in love with. But the character and the personality behind.
Get to know Maartie & Meron
Acting-student Maartie (she/her) identifies as non-binary. Non-binary refers to the gender identities which aren’t exclusively male or female, or fall outside of the gender binary. Maartie is proud of having Meron (she/her) as an ally on her side. Her experience shows, that there are still a lot misconceptions on the topic.
Meron supports Maartie unconditionally and stands up when she is harrassed or belittled.
Get to know Faith & Thomas
Faith (she/they) identifies as asexual. An asexual or ace person does not experience sexual attraction in the way others do, or not at all. With Thomas (he/him), Faith is not only sharing a lot of common interests and passions but also her deepest feelings about her sexual orientation. Thomas sees his allyship as a true long-term commitment, to support Faith with all his energy.
What is allyship?
Allyship is actively contributing to a culture of equity and inclusion. An ally understands that changing attitudes and behaviours cannot fall only onto those among us experiencing social exclusion. An ally knows that their position, the identity group they belong to, or simply having the advantage of being a bystander, means they are the ones that can also help change things. And we all have advantages we can use to support someone else – in our private lives or at work!
To be an ally to the trans, non-binary and asexual communities, consider:
Actively question the idea of gender that you were brought up with. Gender is a spectrum and not two binaries in opposition. The gender assigned to trans and non-binary people socially and legally at birth is not correctly describing how they feel and who they are.
Know that there are many ways to be trans or non-binary. It’s not possible to tell if someone is trans or non-binary by looking at a person. Haircuts, colours, items of clothing do not indicate someone’s gender — they simply relate to the gender codes prevalent in society.
Use gender inclusive language, avoid gender binaries in addressing people (e.g. “Ladies and gentlemen”, “Hi guys!”, etc.), and use the pronoun ‘they’ when someone’s gender is unknown.
Try to always introduce yourself with your personal pronouns, in person and on your online profiles, to normalize the use of pronouns, and to prevent abuse towards trans and non-binary people.
Learn the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation. Being trans and non-binary does not have a bearing on a person’s sexual attraction to others. It is ok to ask questions about LGBTI+ experiences, if you ask for consent first, and do so respecting boundaries.
If someone comes out to you as asexual (ace), accept that. Asexuality is a sexual orientation like any other, not a phase to be outgrown, not a choice and not a description of one’s sexual behaviour. Sexual attraction or romance is not what makes all people complete or happy!
Remember diversity within the LGBTI+ community. Everyone has other intersecting identity traits, such as their ethnicity or socio-economic status that significantly impact the way they navigate and are seen by the world.
Listen to trans, non-binary and ace people, follow them on social media, watch their films, documentaries and art works — and share their work widely!
Call out remarks, jokes, and behaviours that are harmful towards trans, non-binary and ace people, even when they are not in the room!
The Truths of Allyship
1. We learn and grow: Being an ally can create discomfort for you or people around. But not taking action at all can be more harmful than not acting perfectly. Allyship is a learning process. And we all are here to learn.
2. Allyship is humble: You are a powerful voice alongside those who experience prejudice or discrimination but you don’t promote yourself nor the actions you take. You don’t aim to be a hero, but shed a light on the need of fairness, amplifying LGBTI+ voices. You always speak for yourself and human rights values.
3. Reaching across identities makes most difference: True allyship reaches across identities and their intersections, promoting equity for those without the same privilege in society.
Equity & Inclusion at C&A
We are committed to building an inclusive organisation where everyone can become their best self. Internally, we have an ambitious 2028 Equity, Inclusion & Human Rights Strategy, focusing on structural and cultural change. We offer allyship education to our co-workers to start a movement of solidarity and togetherness across differences. 33% of our executive board members identify as LGBTI+. To find out more about our approach, click here.
We also show our support to the LGTBI+ community with our dedicated IDAHOBIT/ Pride Collection, donating an amount equal to the profits from the collection to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer & Intersex Youth and Student Organisation (IGLYO).
Our IDAHOBIT/ PRIDE collection
... is entirely purpose-driven. An amount equal to the profits from the collection will be donated to IGLYO, a youth development organisation for LGBTI+ youth in all their diversity. C&A's contribution will be used for capacity-building of LGBTI+ young people from the countries where C&A has business operations.
IGLYO
IGLYO builds the confidence, skills and experience of LGBTI+ young people for them to become leaders and rise to their full potential. Relying on C&A's support, IGLYO will bring LGBTI+ young people across Europe and Asia together to connect with, inspire and empower each other.