Allyship is an important way for people who do not identify as LGBTQIA+ to show their solidarity and support with the LGBTQIA+ community.
Please fill out the form if you would like to be added to this webpage.
Meet our Allies!
Andrew Young (he/him) | Chief Operating Officer, Executive Office
What does allyship mean to you?
"An opportunity to make LSE welcoming for everyone."
David Woodruff (he/him) | Associate Professor of Comparative Politics, Department of Government
What does allyship mean to you?
"Affirming and supporting LGBTQ people’s legal and moral rights at LSE, including the expectation that they be treated in the dignified and respectful way appropriate to all."
Elinor Potts (she/her) Communications Coordinator, LSE Press
What does allyship mean to you?
"Support and community."
Heather Dawson (she/her) |Academic Support Librarian, Library
What does allyship mean to you?
"The LSE Library has always collected materials relating to LGBT+ history and culture, but over the last few years I have been trying to make this more visible. In the past, LGBTQ+ history has often been “hidden” from the mainstream curriculum and I must admit my own knowledge was limited in the beginning, so I want to use my voice to promote some of these “hidden” stories. I see my role as an ally focusing on promoting and building up the collection. I actively seek to identify new titles we can purchase, communicate to Spectrum and the wider community monthly lists of titles acquired and encourage library users to make new requests."
James Robins (he/him) | Web and Digital Media Manager, Department of Government
What does allyship mean to you?
"Listening, learning and using my privilege to support and hold space for others."
Jillian Terry (she/her) | Associate Professor (Education) and Co-Director, LSE100 - Student Learning and Personal Development Division
What does allyship mean to you?
"To me, allyship means showing up with intention and humility. It means listening to my students when they share experiences of marginalisation, amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA+ colleagues, and creating space within my team for people to bring their whole selves to work. It's about recognising that my position comes with both privilege and responsibility: the privilege to advocate without facing the same risks, and the responsibility to use that platform not just to speak out against injustice, but to actively dismantle the structures that enable it. Being an ally isn't a fixed identity I claim, but an ongoing practice - one that requires me to remain open to feedback, to acknowledge when I get things wrong, and to keep learning. Whether in my classrooms with students, in meetings with colleagues, or in supporting my team, I try to move beyond performative gestures toward meaningful action. This means challenging exclusionary practices, mentoring those with less institutional power, and ensuring that our teaching, research, and workplace culture genuinely reflect values of equity and justice for everyone."
John Canfield (he/him) | MSc Programme Manager, Department of Economics
What does allyship mean to you?
"Showing support, camaraderie and enjoying the excellent company of our LGBTQ+ community."
Mar Torro (she/her) | Teaching Delivery Manager, Philosophy, Logic and Scientific Method
What does allyship mean to you?
"To me, being an ally means actively supporting LGBTQ+ individuals. It’s about listening to LGBTQ+ voices, learning, and creating safer, more inclusive spaces. I want those around me to know they’re seen, respected, and celebrated for who they are, and I want to keep learning everyday to keep taking action and challenging biases (including my own)."
Rachel Power (she/her) | Deputy Careers Consultant, LSE Careers
What does allyship mean to you?
"As a Spectrum ally, I’m proud to stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ members of the LSE community. Allyship, to me, means showing up—listening, learning, and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and safe."