Ally is a verb, not an identity. Allyship is the practice of doing the work of standing up for marginalized communities and building relationships based on trust, consistency and accountability. Allies use their own privilege to oppose discrimination and injustice.

There are endless ways you can show allyship through action – these are just a few.

How can we show allyship by working to ensure that people from marginalized and equity-seeking communities are heard and their voices prioritized?

  • Be aware of whose voices are heard and valued and whose voices are missing.
  • Use your platforms and networks to help amplify these voices.
  • Seek out, share and elevate diverse perspectives and expertise.
  • Speak up, not over.

Allies can use their own privilege to help shift the narrative, include a diversity of voices and perspectives, and counteract silencing.

Accessibility is the practice of making information, activities and environments usable and meaningful for as many people as possible, including people with disabilities.

While the majority of Torontonians understand and support the values of diversity and human rights, accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities are often overlooked. People with disabilities often face barriers in their daily lives, and allies can play a role in advocating for those barriers to be dismantled. The Toronto For All Disability Inclusion campaign shared five ways to show allyship with people with disabilities:

  • See the person, not the disability. Treat people with disabilities the same way you would want to be treated.
  • Include people with disabilities in your conversations – and speak directly with them.
  • Ask first. Don’t assume people with disabilities want help and don’t force your assistance on anyone.
  • Don’t ask people with disabilities awkward and inappropriate questions about their disability. It’s an invasion of their privacy, especially if you don’t know them.
  • Speak up. When you see something that’s not accessible, report it.

Visit toronto.ca/accessibility to learn about accessibility in City of Toronto programs and services.

Inclusion is creating spaces, in your workplace, social or family circles, where people who have historically been excluded or discriminated against are welcomed and accepted. Acts of allyship helps to foster and build safer, more respectful communities and spaces.

Active and effective allyship is critical in promoting inclusion, and can create a sense of solidarity and belonging when most needed.

  • Think broadly about diversity
  • Rather than treating others how you want to be treated, take it a step further and think about how they would choose to be treated
  • Consider how well you encourage and embrace new or different ideas and perspectives

Compassion and empathy can be powerful tools for allyship. Compassion is often the starting point for allies and fostering this mindset can create a bridge to active allyship.

Leading with compassion can also help difficult conversations – often an act of allyship in itself – go more smoothly. Meeting people with respect and empathy when challenging harmful language or excluding behaviour can build bridges and help to recognize our shared humanity.

Active allyship with 2SLGBTQ+ people and communities can take many forms. It means refraining from making assumptions about someone’s gender or sexual orientation, and standing with 2SLGBTQ+ communities facing rising discrimination.

  • Listen to the experiences and perspectives of 2SLGBTQ+ people and learn about 2LGBTQ+ communities.
  • Respect the language people use to identify themselves, including names and pronouns.
  • Use correct pronouns for people – if you are not sure, ask respectfully by sharing your own.
  • Normalize volunteering your pronouns upfront.

Speaking up when people around us use hateful language is not always easy, but discrimination thrives when we tolerate it. Our partner OCASI created a short video that shows how racism multiplies when nobody objects.

OCASI’s Backyard Blast video shows discriminatory language stopped in its tracks when interrupted. There are many ways for allies to speak up.

  • Approach the situation with curiosity; ask questions.
  • Model the use of respectful and inclusive language.
  • Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Speaking up can be an effective act of allyship and solidarity. The more of us that speak up against hateful language, the easier it becomes.

Allies can show solidarity with communities that have faced and continue to face long-standing inequities and discrimination as a result of colonialism and anti-Black racism by supporting Indigenous- and Black-owned businesses. When small businesses and entrepreneurs flourish, so do their communities.

The City’s Reconciliation Action Plan and Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism both highlight the need to support Indigenous-and Black-owned businesses to help communities thrive.

Allyship involves unlearning unconscious biases you may have

towards other people. Unconscious biases are attitudes, beliefs and stereotypes we form about groups of people without being consciously aware of them. These unconscious beliefs guide how we respond to people and situations without us realizing. It’s important for allies to first be aware of their own unconscious biases in order to unlearn.

  • Self-reflect – take the time to think about and acknowledge unconscious biases you may hold.
  • Learn to slow down – unconscious biases tend to come out when people are under pressure or react quickly.
  • Actively consider other people’s perspectives – seek out a range of experiences and voices.

Unlearning unconscious biases is an ongoing action allies can take over time rather than a short-term goal.

Learn more about allyship through these resources from community organizations, schools, grassroots groups, and institutional partners. This is not an exhaustive list but a starting point.

Resource Description Category
Allyship Resources
Allyship and Inclusion An overview of allyship with definitions, University of Toronto, Temerty Faculty of Medicine General
Microaggressions and Allyship An explainer on allyship through challenging microaggressions, University of Toronto, #UofTMedCares campaign General
Allyship vs. Solidarity A one-pager on allyship and solidarity, Womens College Hospital General
Public Art and Community Resources A resource list on allyship through the arts, STEPS Public Art General
Being a True Ally An article on allyship for health equity, Dialogue, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario General
Do You Want to be an Ally? Let’s Learn How. A booklet on allyship, #HaveThatTalk, Ottawa Public Health General
Allyship An overview of allyship, including the responsibilities of allies, Anti-Oppression Network General
Navigating the Conflict Zone and Becoming a Good Ally A toolkit for educators and high school students, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Educator and Student Resources
Drawing the Line (Elementary) A sexual violence prevention guide for elementary educators, White Ribbon Educator and Student Resources
Drawing the Line (Secondary) A sexual violence prevention guide for secondary educators, White Ribbon Educator and Student Resources
Allyship and Advocacy A resource for allyship in the classroom, Stanford Educator and Student Resources
Allyship Art Project A digital art exhibit by middle school students, International School Bangkok Educator and Student Resources
Gender and Sexuality Alliance Network A community and resources for Two Spirit, trans, non-binary, and queer students, staff, and allies, TDSB Educator and Student Resources
Combatting Hate and Racism Student Learning Strategy A student-centred approach to creating respectful and culturally safe learning environments, TDSB Educator and Student Resources
Student Equity Collective Students leading positive change to address racism, hate and discrimination, TDSB Educator and Student Resources
Addressing Anti-Asian Racism: A Resource for Educators A foundation for reflection, discussion and social justice action, EFTO/TDBS Educator and Student Resources
Equity and Allyship Social Media Bundles Youth-friendly graphics, School Mental Health Ontario Educator and Student Resources
Indigenous Ally Toolkit How non-Indigenous people and groups can use their privilege to listen, shift power dynamics, and take concrete steps towards reconciliation, Montreal Indigenous Community Network Indigenous Allyship
Indigenous Resources for Allies Non-exhaustive list of resources including reports, courses, documentaries, books, podcasts and organizations, Museum of Toronto Indigenous Allyship
Becoming an Ally to Indigenous People A resource guide, Toronto Urban Growers Indigenous Allyship
Generation 4 Equality: Allyship Factsheet Information for Indigenous and non-Indigenous allies, Native Women’s Association of Canada Indigenous Allyship
Allyship A video exploration on how non-Black allies/accomplices/advocates centre the voices and experiences of Black youth, families and communities, YouthRex Black Allyship
Sustaining the Black Lives Matter Movement in the Workplace A toolkit for employers, Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion Black Allyship
Understanding Anti-Black Racism and How to be an Ally An event recording featuring a panel discussion on the historical Black experience in Canada, including how to address anti-Black racism and how to be an ally, Government of Canada Black Allyship
Anti-Black Racism and Allyship Resources A compilation of resources on allyship and anti-Black racism, University of Guelph Black Allyship
Tips on How to Practice 2SLGBTQI Allyship Tips on learning, practicing and reflecting, Egale 2SLGBTQ+ Allyship
Ally is a Verb Information sheets on allyship with trans and Two-Spirit communities, Ontario Federation of Labour 2SLGBTQ+ Allyship
WeAreAllies.ca Resources to help adults learn how to support 2SLGBTQ+ young people, Momentum Canada 2SLGBTQ+ Allyship
Short Life Stories A video and other content exploring the intersections of gender-based violence and transphobia, White Ribbon 2SLGBTQ+ Allyship
Anti-Asian Racism Primer An overview of anti-Asian racism and tangible actions to combat it, University of Waterloo Asian Allyship
Resources for Combatting Anti-Asian Racism & Learning About Canadians of Asian Descent A compilation of resources, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Asian Allyship
Islamophobia: Strategies and Resources for Allyship Strategies and resources to support Muslim Allyship, Royal Roads University Muslim Allyship
How to be an Effective Ally During Ramadan A one-pager on allyship specific to Ramadan, Toronto Metropolitan University Muslim Allyship
How to be an Ally: Islamophobia at the Intersections A one-pager on Islamophobia and allyship, University of Toronto Muslim Allyship
Anti-Islamophobia Resources Tips and resources for allies, Islamophobia-is.com Muslim Allyship
Challenging Islamophobia in the Ontario Youth Sector A webinar on how youth sector partners can engage in meaningful allyship, YouthRex Muslim Allyship
Antisemitism An explainer on antisemitism, including learning, giving and getting help, Queen’s University Jewish Allyship
The stain of antisemitism in Canada A historical account illustrating discrimination against Jewish people, Canadian Museum for Human Rights Jewish Allyship
A Brief History of Antisemitism in Canada A reference guide to support classroom learning on antisemitism Resources for Teachers and Students, Jewish Allyship
Confronting Antisemitism The 2022 Toronto For All campaign (City of Toronto) Jewish Allyship
Simple Steps to Become an Ally in the Workplace Recommendations for effective allyship at work, Canadian Women’s Foundation Allyship with Women
How Men Can be Better Allies Resources for effective allyship, CCWESTT Allyship with Women
Male Allyship: Why is it Important? An interview with a leadership coach on allyship, Women in Leadership Foundation Allyship with Women
Gender Equity and Allyship Advancing gender equity allyship in sport, Canadian Women & Sport Allyship with Women
Men of Quality A public service announcement video promoting allyship with women and girls, White Ribbon, Toronto Maple Leafs Allyship with Women
I Knew All Along An exploration of men’s allyship with women, White Ribbon Allyship with Women
6 Ways to be an Ally to Kids & Youth with Disabilities How to advocate for disability inclusion and belonging in your community, Holland Bloorview Disability Allyship
Standing in Solidarity ­­with the Disability Community How to be an ally to people with disabilities, Easter Seals Disability Allyship
Disability Awareness and Allyship Tips and resources, Mind Your Mind Disability Allyship
Disability and Inclusion The 2018 Toronto For All campaign, City of Toronto Disability Allyship
Take Action on Violence Against Immigrant and Refugee Women An infographic with statistics and actions allies can take, OCASI Newcomer Allyship, Allyship with Women
Us Too A working paper and call to action on meeting the needs of migrant and racialized communities in anti-gender based violence work, OCASI, Barbara Schlifer Commemorative Clinic Newcomer Allyship, Allyship with Women, 2SLGBTQ+ Allyship, Allyship with Racialized People
Tips on How to be an Ally A video and other content on allyship with newcomers, Immigration Partnership Saskatoon Newcomer Allyship
Allies for Refugee Integration Allyship for settlement service organizations, Immigration and Refugees and Citizenship Canada Newcomer Allyship

Some facts and information listed on this page may be out of date. The City of Toronto is not responsible for the content of the external websites listed on this page. The City of Toronto does not endorse, approve, or guarantee the accuracy of the information available on these websites.

This campaign was created in partnership and with guidance from:

  • 2-Spirited People of the 1st Nation
  • Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services
  • Black Health Alliance
  • Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence
  • FCJ Refugee Centre
  • Mosaic Institute
  • OCASI – Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants
  • Sistering
  • The 519
  • Toronto Area Interfaith Council
  • Toronto Arts Foundation
  • Toronto District School Board
  • Toronto Neighbourhood Organization
  • Toronto Public Library Teen Council
  • White Ribbon Campaign

Some facts and information listed on this page may be out of date. The City of Toronto is not responsible for the content of the external websites listed on this page. The City of Toronto does not endorse, approve, or guarantee the accuracy of the information available on these websites.