How Allyship Shapes Our Identity and Community
Tomás Ribeiro · August 9, 2024
Just like all of us have our own passion, the concept of Allyship is also very unique for each of us.
If we consider that Allyship comes in all shapes and sizes, influenced by the unique worlds we each live in we can see it like a recipe that tastes different depending on the cook and the ingredients. We all have our journey, and allyship grows with us along the way, each with its own flavor.
Allyship and Finding Freedom in Self-Expression
The fact is we’ve all struggled growing up. But this is slightly different for the LGBTQIA+ community, especially when we feel like we don’t fit in. I say we because I was no different. Picture this: little Tomás, not wanting to play soccer with the boys and too scared to join the girls in their games because of fear of judgment. It was like being stuck in front of a canvas, not knowing which colors to paint with. That’s when the idea of allyship started brewing in me. I longed for people who’d stick by my side and allowed me to be my unapologetic self.
And I found them. I found my people and my community.
For me, it started with art, where I could paint whatever crossed my mind and feel at peace, whether alone or with friends doing their own thing, without any judgment. It made me feel welcome, made me feel that people were interested in what I was doing and most importantly, made me feel free!
Fast forward to today, it’s clear that allyship isn’t just a personal thing. It’s a game-changer in the workplace too and a battle many people face. At the beginning of my career I created barriers to protect myself from people. However, overtime I started feeling safe and confident in my own skin, realizing the importance of having a support system.
The Role of Allyship in Professional Growth
As allyship is something that we can’t do alone, as soon as I started opening up and understanding the others around me, I was able to see that I wasn’t alone. In Mercedes-Benz.io, there’s a will to focus on inclusiveness and creating a safe environment for everyone. And this all goes back to having a reliable web of allies. Take it from my colleague and friend Margarida Cruz and her perspective on the topic:
"For me, allyship means supporting the true identity of others. It means being empathetic, embracing and supporting each person's right to be their authentic self, ensuring everyone has the freedom to live as they truly are. It involves a proactive and continuous effort to deconstruct the unconscious biases and beliefs we may hold. By supporting each other and pushing back against the labels that put people in boxes, we can start seeing ourselves as one single community. This change helps break down the barriers that divide us and means we don’t always have to focus on highlighting minority issues. In a truly inclusive world, there wouldn’t be 'minorities'—everyone would simply be recognized and valued for who they are."
From the perspective of the Recruiter, not only is important to create a community where everyone’s quirks and unique qualities are accepted as they must be celebrated for who they are. This becomes critical when we consider that a stellar team isn’t just about skills alone. Just look at the perspective of Ricardo Jorge, Head of Engineering at Mercedes-Benz.io:
"As a Engineering Manager, working with people from all around the world, I needed to learn how to convey messages effectively depending on the cultural background of the person. Through multiple talks, discussions, and getting to know the individuals before me, I could improve my cultural awareness and sensitivity. This, in turn, allowed me to explore different viewpoints, fostering a more effective decision-making process and unique solutions. I believe being open-minded, understanding and appreciating cultural differences, ultimately leads to a positive approach where we leverage each other’s skills to make it further than we would alone."
Allyship as a Catalyst for Change
Allyship is about creating spaces where everyone feels they belong — whether in our personal lives or at work. It’s about acceptance, understanding, and support. When we get this right, we build communities that empower each person to shine being able to choose which color fits us best.
It's like having a band where every instrument is different, yet each has its own role, and together they create an incredible sound that turns to music. This approach turns a group of individuals into a powerhouse team that can achieve amazing results.
Nowadays, it feels good to come to work and not have the fear of being judged.
At Mercedes-Benz.io, I’ve always felt I can be myself – with all the quirks, colors, and most important of all, without feeling misplaced. Except for still watching Pokémon… but that’s a story for another time.