Ingka Group will join the global LGBT+ community in marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on Saturday, 17 May. This year, the company will shine a light on everyday allyship – an initiative to build a more inclusive, respectful, and compassionate world, one action at a time.
“Everyday allyship is a reminder that inclusion starts with small, intentional actions. Because when we build a culture of togetherness and respect, we make space for everyone to thrive”
– Buks Akinseye, Global Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Ingka Group
Everyday allyship celebrates the voices and lived experiences of LGBT+ co-workers and the everyday actions that help build a more inclusive world. Through personal stories and practical guidance, this year’s IDAHOBIT initiative shows that allyship isn’t a one-off – it’s a daily practice of listening, learning, and showing up.
“At Ingka Group we want to create an inclusive environment for our co-workers and customers, where everyone feels respected, acknowledged, valued, and no-one feels the need to cover up aspects of their identity. Everyday allyship is a reminder that inclusion starts with small, intentional actions. Because when we build a culture of togetherness and respect, we make space for everyone to thrive. This IDAHOBIT, let’s continue to be allies, every day. Because we’re better and stronger, when we come together,” says Buks Akinseye, Global Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Ingka Group.
The Everyday allyship guide will be available online and as book covers in some IKEA store room settings or co-worker area bookshelves, where customers and co-workers can sit down and explore allyship tips. The book covers will reflect the Progress Flag and can be used to spark conversations, celebrate progress, and invite everyone to take part in building a more inclusive workplace and society.
“Allyship to me, starts with truly seeing the uniqueness in people, and creating a safe space where they feel respected to share who they are (when they’re ready), so ultimately, they can thrive, says Heather Sharpe, People Planning Manager at IKEA Canada. We all deserve that as a human right! I’m beyond grateful that at IKEA Canada, through different forums, we listen and learn from each other, stretch our understanding of the world, and pave a path so all co-workers know they are valued for who they are as individuals first,” she says.
The 11 actions and themes are: Learn by listening; Use inclusive language; Be respectful; Respond to hurtful comments; Own your mistakes; Inspire others; Uplift diverse voices; See the whole person; Respect names and pronouns; Avoid assumptions; and Support gender diversity.
As a humanistic and values driven company, Ingka Group aims to foster a culture where co-workers feel safe to be themselves, are treated fairly, and are given equal opportunities regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. In a recent survey of over 134,000 Ingka Group co-workers, 84% of co-workers reported that they can be themselves at work. LGBT+ inclusion contributes to a better IKEA – for co-workers, customers, and society. Once again for another year running, proceeds from the sale of the iconic STORSTOMMA shopping bag – featuring the Pride design – will be donated to local LGBT+ organisations, strengthening the connection to the communities IKEA is part of.
Book & film recommendations
Additionally, this year, Ingka Group co-workers across the company are being invited to share stories and personal book or film recommendations to inspire each other as allies. At other moments throughout the year, the aim is for some retail countries to also partner up with local LGBT+ bookstores or film clubs to spotlight stories that inspire allyship and LGBT+ perspectives.
“We are kicking this off for IDAHOBIT by asking our co-workers to share their tips. For example, a good book I’ve read is ‘Life Isn’t Binary” by Alex Iantaffi and Meg-John Barker. I find it’s more for practitioners, but also an interesting read for anyone looking to expand their understanding and deepen their practice of inclusion. It’s a thought-provoking place to begin. I would also recommend the documentary series ‘You Can’t Ask That’. The episode on gender identity was so respectful in raising awareness about aspects that many people misunderstand or could find sensitive. Stories like these help us better understand and connect with each other—and that’s what allyship is all about,” says Buks Akinseye, Global Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Ingka Group.
“For me, one book that is deeply moving and anchors the humanity of the transgender experience is the Canadian biography entitled ‘Love Lives Here: A Story of Thriving in a Transgender Family’, by Rowan Jette Knox,” adds Heather Sharpe.
Read more about Ingka Group’s work to support the LGBT+ community.
About Ingka Group
With IKEA retail operations on 31 markets, Ingka Group is the largest IKEA retailer and represents about 90% of IKEA retail sales. It is a strategic partner to develop and innovate the IKEA business and help define common IKEA strategies. Ingka Group owns and operates IKEA sales channels under franchise agreements with Inter IKEA Systems B.V. It has three business areas: IKEA Retail, Ingka Investments and Ingka Centres. Read more on www.Ingka.com.
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