allyship

[ al-ahy-ship ]

noun

1. the status or role of a person who advocates and actively works for the inclusion of a marginalized or politicized group in all areas of society, not as a member of that group but in solidarity with its struggle and point of view and under its leadership:

   Genuine allyship does not come with special recognition—we do not get awards for confronting issues people have to live with every day.

2. the relationship or status of persons, groups, or nations associating and cooperating with one another for a common cause or purpose:

   In 1943, fearing that earlier racist immigration laws would hinder allyship with China in the war against Japan, the U.S. passed legislation allowing 105 Chinese immigrants per year.

Word History and Origins

Origin of allyship¹

First recorded in 1845–50; ally ( def ) + -ship ( def )

Example Sentences

At the end of the show, the cast performs a song by B Alexander that is a call for allyship.

From Los Angeles Times

That kind of active allyship must come from cisgender people.

From Los Angeles Times

People wore safety pins to reassure vulnerable gender minorities of their allyship and planted yard signs declaring that “No human being is illegal” to protest Trump’s immigration rhetoric.

From Slate

I am indeed worried about Jewish safety in an era of rising antisemitism on the left and the right, and it has been shocking to feel distanced from liberal-minded communal partners, but allyship is not about the transaction.

From Slate

The charity is running a male allyship event on 22 November to raise awareness of gender inequality and discrimination.

From BBC