Being an outlier from the social norms is a tough way to live your life. Those that are in the mainstream often don’t stop to consider what it might be like for those who are on the periphery and who don’t experience the privileges that come with being in the mainstream. It is difficult enough to find the way to thrive in the world when you don’t quite fit into the profile of heterosexual, sis gender, not-neuro-diverse, able bodied, cognitively able etc., but add being marginalised to the journey and life becomes extremely painful. Two men who have huge insight into this subject are brothers Pierre and Andrew Brouard. Pierre is a gay man and a specialist psychologist, and Andrew is a heterosexual, sis gender teacher. As a teacher, Andrew is at the forefront of educating young people about diversity and inclusion. His work is about inspiring students to become more inclusive and supportive to those who are different to themselves. In this podcast episode they speak with me of allyship, which refers to the actions, behaviours, and practices that a person can choose to take to support, amplify and advocate for others, especially individuals who don’t belong to the same social identity group as themselves. Allyship, in my opinion is a route to wellbeing. It facilitates enhanced wellbeing in people who find themselves at risk of being isolated in society. It also enables wellbeing in the people who are providing support and care to those who they notice need their support. Reaching out is good for us, as is being reached out to. There are of course times when people practicing allyship become somewhat marginalised themselves because of supporting a marginalised person or group of people, but the wellbeing that their support provides offers internal fulfilment which is good for them. Allyship, is underpinned by mindfulness. It’s based in curiosity, and it requires non-judgement and compassion. Diversity and inclusion are buzz words today, with good reason because we have seen that we can only really thrive when the whole of society thrives. Listen in to the conversation and remember to share your thoughts with us afterwards.