Powerful Ads from Iris Ask You to 'Rethink Allyship' for Pride

We’ve all heard resounding remarks like “people should love who they want,” but sometimes they’re followed by small caveats, like “I’m not sure if they should show same sex love in a Disney film though”... so is this really allyship? Is it support? Or is this kind of support actually more damaging? Yesterday, with support from Stonewall UK, Iris launched a social campaign to raise awareness demonstrating what authentic allyship entails.

“True inclusivity needs to last much longer than a month,” said Ross Taylor, group creative director at Iris. “One of the most powerful tools to support the LGBTQI+ community is active allyship, which requires you to be all in. Tailoring allyship by applying conditions and caveats to suit personal comfort zones can be harmful to people’s well-being, and contribute to bigger issues facing the LGBTQI+ community. So today, as Pride month draws to a close we’re asking you to rethink your allyship. Have those hard conversations and speak up; don’t turn a blind eye. No caveats, no buts, just authentic, heartfelt support.”

Liz Ward, director of programs at Stonewall, said: “We are delighted that Iris has decided to join our Diversity Champions programme and we’re incredibly excited to support them with their inclusion journey. The ‘But Nothing’ campaign empowers all those who wish to see a world in which LGBTQ+ people are free to be their true selves. Allyship is key to ensuring that lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer staff can thrive at work.”