Protected Characteristics

When people discuss discrimination and allyship, they often refer to the protected characteristics. This refers to the nine characteristics defined in the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably than others based on these characteristics.

To be an ally, it’s important to know about these characteristics. We briefly introduces each characteristic and links to further information that you can engage with at your own pace.

Age

Individuals may face age-based discrimination. Ageist remarks are often based on stereotypes – for example, linking a person’s capabilities to their age.

Disability

Disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial, long—term effect on a person’s daily life. Disabilities can take many forms and may be visible or invisible from an outsiders’ perspective.

Gender

Gender identity refers to an individual’s sense of gender – this may match their sex, which is assigned at birth based on sex characteristics, or it may differ. Gender-based discrimination occurs when gender stereotypes impact the treatment of someone.

Gender Affirmation

Gender affirmation is a process that transgender and non-binary people may go through to live as the gender they identify with. This process varies greatly from person to person, but may include steps such as changing pronouns, undergoing medical treatment, changing presentation, and more. Discrimination against transgender and non-binary people is referred to as transphobia.

Marriage and Civil Partnership

People may face discrimination as a result of being married or in a civil partnership. For example, married women may face discrimination when trying to find jobs due to unconscious biases and assumptions.

Pregnancy and Maternity

Pregnancy and maternity discrimination encompasses the duration of a person’s pregnancy, and the time after a child is born. This form of discrimination could materialise as unequal treatment, such as denying people opportunities, or in the form of biased assumptions about their abilities.

Race

Race encompasses a person’s skin colour, nationality, and ethnic or national origins. Racism occurs when one group views themselves as superior to another based on their race and can be both explicit and implicit. Allies to those affected by racism should educate themselves on how racism is embedded within society and work towards ‘anti-racism’. This refers to a person going beyond being ‘not racist’ and actively challenging racism.

Religion and Belief

Religion refers to any religion or lack thereof, while belief refers to any religious or non-religious belief (or lack thereof) that affects a person’s life choices. Discrimination occurs when a person is treated negatively based on the presence or absence of a religion or belief.

Sexual Orientation

Sexual orientation refers to a person’s identity in relation to their sexual and/or romantic attraction. Individuals in the LGBTQ+ community may face discrimination for having an orientation other than heterosexual, which can take the form of homophobia, biphobia, or other similar terms.

More detailed information about the protected characteristics is available here: Protected Characteristics | Our Research | Newcastle University (ncl.ac.uk)