Why authenticity and allyship matter to us

At Authentic Allies, both parts of our name carry significance.

Authenticity reflects the values we bring to our work: genuine, human-focused and compassionate connection shaped by lived experience and identity affirming practice (including neurodivergence, gender, disability, culture, and all other identities that shape how people move through the world).

Being an Ally is our commitment to standing with marginalised, underrepresented, and minority communities in meaningful and practical ways. Being an ally isn’t a title we claim, it’s a responsibility that is woven into every part of our work.

As Authentic Allies, we value:

• Showing up in ways that are person-centred, trauma-informed, and signal safety - safety based on your needs, not assumptions about what safety 'should' look like

• Amplifying your voice rather than overshadowing it

• Recognising and working together to dismantle systemic barriers that affect access, identity, wellbeing, and belonging

• Centring the needs and perspectives of those most impacted by exclusion, especially those who have been led to believe that their needs do not matter

• Ongoing learning and understanding of identities and experiences that intersect with neurodivergence, including LGBTQIA+ communities, disability, diverse cultural backgrounds, folks with chronic illness, and mental health differences

• Cultivating deep joy, laughter, play and creativity without being bound by social norms

• The strength that comes from being together, building community, creating a sense of belonging, and reminding each other that we don’t have to figure it all out on our own

Authentic and Allies aren’t just words we chose to use as a catchy name (although the alliteration is fun to say), they are core to who we are - shaping how we show up, how we listen, and how we work alongside you.