How do we make allyship at work real—not performative?

Pride Month can feel like a corporate checkbox.

But this week on Work is Weird Now, we’re cutting through the noise to ask a bigger question:

👉 How do we make allyship at work real—not just performative—for Pride and beyond?

Our guest is Tony Marroney, an operations director, proud gay man, and heels-wearing executive who’s spent over 25 years helping workplaces become more inclusive, sometimes while working in environments that didn’t feel safe to be fully out.

This conversation is personal, practical, and powerful. We talk about:

• The difference between allyship and rainbow-washing

• What it feels like to go back into the closet for work

• Why Pride is still a protest

• The invisible labour of inclusion

• And how small acts of support can change everything

Tony doesn’t just talk the talk—he’s lived the nuance of identity, leadership, and inclusion across countries and cultures. His message is clear: real allyship isn’t about getting the language perfect. It’s about listening, showing up, and standing up—especially when no one’s watching.

This one’s for the allies-in-progress, the LGBTQ+ leaders carving new paths, and anyone trying to build a workplace where people don’t have to shrink to fit.

🎙️ Listen now on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.
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🏳️‍🌈 And if it resonates—share it with someone navigating identity at work.