We’ve all seen it: companies posting rainbow logos during Pride Month, sharing hashtags on Orange Shirt Day, or issuing statements of solidarity after a headline hits. While these gestures might appear well-meaning, they often raise an important question:
Is this true allyship or just performance?
For people from marginalized communities, including those with disabilities, this question isn’t rhetorical. It’s the difference between feeling supported or sidelined, seen or tokenized.
So, let’s break it down: What does real allyship actually look like? And how can businesses, organizations, and individuals move beyond performative actions to become authentic, consistent allies?
What Is Performative Allyship?
Performative allyship is when a person or organization outwardly expresses support for a cause but fails to back it up with meaningful action.
It’s when:
- A company posts #DisabilityInclusion but doesn’t hire people with disabilities or make its spaces accessible.
- A brand highlights Black History Month but has no Black leadership at the table.
- An organization claims to “amplify diverse voices” but only does so during designated months and only when it’s trending.
At its core, performative allyship is about appearances. It centers the comfort and image of the supposed “ally,” not the real needs of the people they claim to support. And worse, it can erode trust and retraumatize communities who are used to being ignored the moment the spotlight fades.
What Is True Allyship?
True allyship is ongoing, accountable, and grounded in action. It’s not about being seen doing the right thing—it’s about doing the right thing when no one is watching.
It means:
- Listening more than speaking.
- Uplifting marginalized voices without speaking over them.
- Taking responsibility for mistakes—and being willing to change.
- Committing resources, time, and decision-making power to advance equity.
Real allies don’t just show up when it’s convenient. They make equity a consistent, everyday practice woven into hiring, marketing, policy, procurement, community engagement, and leadership.
Why This Matters in Accessibility Work
Nowhere is this distinction clearer than in accessibility and disability inclusion.
Many businesses claim to “value diversity” yet fail to:
- Include disabled people in decision-making roles.
- Ensure websites are screen-reader compatible.
- Provide ASL interpretation or plain language materials.
- Offer flexible, inclusive hiring and work practices.
Statements mean little without structure. If your organization says inclusion matters but disabled customers can’t enter your building, apply for jobs, or understand your content, you’re not being an ally. You’re being performative.
Allyship in Action: What It Looks Like
- You invest in training, like the Business Accessibility Toolkit (BAT) courses from A Life Worth Living, to help your team understand and apply accessibility best practices.
- You include disabled people in paid roles as consultants, speakers, and leaders, not just in “awareness” campaigns.
- You regularly audit your digital, physical, and cultural spaces to identify barriers and remove them.
- You speak up when you see inaccessibility or exclusion, even when it’s uncomfortable.
- You stay committed after the news cycle moves on.
Accountability Is the Difference
Allyship isn’t something you claim; it’s something you earn. It takes humility, consistency, and a willingness to be corrected. Mistakes will happen. What matters most is how you respond: Do you get defensive? Or do you reflect, repair, and recommit?
The communities you aim to support don’t need perfection. They need partners.
At A Life Worth Living, we believe that real allyship creates real change. That’s why our accessibility training is built on lived experience, not checklists. Whether you’re a small business owner, a faith leader, or a corporate team lead, you have the power to be an ally in action, not just in words.
Are you ready to move beyond performative? Explore our BAT courses and start building accessibility into your workplace today: learn.alifeworthliving.ca