Why allyship from men matters on track, on screen, and beyond

We believe that the fastest way to change a culture isn’t by shouting the loudest, but by reaching out a hand. In spaces like motorsport and gaming, which are known to be traditionally male dominated, the conversation about diversity can sometimes feel like it’s happening in the corner of the room, when it should be centre stage. And while women have built incredible communities and initiatives to lift each other up, real, lasting change only happens when the whole team’s on board.

That means the men in these spaces too. Not as silent supporters on the sidelines, but as active, vocal, and respectful allies. This piece is not supposed to be a guilt trip or us pointing fingers - that tactic hasn’t exactly worked in the past, right? We’d rather shed light on where working together benefits everyone, how our passion can be more fun if everyone is allowed to play. We feel that if you care about the future of the things you love  (the races, the games, the stories) you should care about who gets to be part of them too.

Why allyship from men matters

Let’s be honest, no one fixes inequality by themselves. The idea that underrepresented groups should both endure exclusion as well as be solely responsible for correcting is a dead end. Change requires teamwork. It needs those who hold influence in a space to help shift the culture, open doors, and make room at the table.

In both gaming and motorsport, men still hold most of the positions of power. As decision-makers, team leaders, commentators, creators, and fans who shape the atmosphere around them; their choices, words, and actions matter.

When men advocate for gender equity, it signals to their peers that inclusion isn’t just a “women’s issue”, it is a community one. It tells young boys entering these worlds that respect, fairness, and opportunity aren’t negotiable extras, but part of the DNA of a healthy, thriving culture.

And here’s the thing: everyone benefits from that. Diverse teams perform better, inclusive communities last longer, and industries with a wide range of voices create stories, games, and races that are simply more exciting to watch.

Who’s doing it well and where we’re falling short

The gaming world, while far from perfect, has made visible strides in this area. Initiatives like Women in Games have created vital spaces for women to connect, learn, and showcase their talent and importantly, for men to listen, learn, and actively support.

Plenty of male developers, streamers, and studio heads have stepped up as allies, using their platforms to amplify others, challenge toxicity, and call for fairer hiring practices. And it matters. Because when someone with influence speaks up, it shifts what’s acceptable in the room.

Motorsport, however, still feels like it’s chasing the pack. While programs like the F1 Academy, Girls on Track, and certain grassroots initiatives are doing important work, there’s a noticeable absence of mainstream, male-led allyship movements in the scene. The conversations around equity often feel slow, and too few prominent men in motorsport use their positions to challenge the old narratives.

With that said, there are signs of momentum and visible role models make a huge difference. When someone like Lewis Hamilton publicly supports initiatives like the F1 Academy, it sends a powerful message. It shows that championing gender equity isn’t niche or optional; it’s part of what modern leadership in sport should look like. His advocacy helps normalise these conversations in a space where they’ve long been absent and reminds both fans and fellow drivers that creating opportunity is everyone’s responsibility.

Imagine the difference it could make if more team principals, drivers, and commentators followed suit. Not performatively, but with genuine, consistent commitment. Because every voice raised in support helps shift the culture - one conversation, one opportunity, one action at a time.

What allyship looks like (and how it doesn’t)

If the word ‘allyship’ sounds intimidating or overly academic, don’t let it. Let’s not get lost in grandstanding or token gestures. It’s about how you show up, consistently, in both big and small ways. Here’s what good allyship looks like in practice:

• Show up and listen before you speak. Join the room, even when it’s not about you. Support initiatives like Women in Games, Girls on Track, or diversity panels at events. You don’t need to be the face of it. Just being there, listening, and showing solidarity matters more than you might realise. And when you do show up, resist the urge to jump in with your take every time. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can offer is your presence, your attention, and a willingness to hear others without centering your own experience.

• Use your platform. Whether you’ve got a team, a Twitch stream, or a group chat, amplify voices that aren’t usually heard. Give credit where it’s due, recommend someone for that opportunity, repost their work.

• Call out exclusionary behaviour. You don’t have to turn into the Fun Police, but if you hear a sexist joke or see someone being sidelined, say something. Even a simple “Not cool, mate” makes a difference.

• Understand it’s not about being a ‘hero.’ Allyship isn’t charity. It’s about believing in fairness and recognising that we all gain from a more inclusive, equitable space. If you have a platform, use it, but it is not about building you a marble statue for yourself.

Winning together is way more fun anyways

Motorsport, gaming, and every other space we care about thrive on innovation, creativity, and resilience. Those things don’t come from shutting people out, they come from welcoming new ideas, different backgrounds, and fresh perspectives.

When we talk about gender equity, it’s not about making room for someone instead of you. At the core it’s about making the room bigger, better, and more interesting for everyone. And that takes all of us. Not just women building communities for themselves, but men standing beside them, raising the flag, and helping steer the culture in a better direction.

So if you’ve ever wondered whether your voice matters in these conversations, the answer is yes. Not because you need to fix everything overnight, but because every team, every grid, and every community is stronger when we work together.

Start today. Follow a female motorsport journalist like Hazel Southwell or Amanda Busick. Join a Women in Games webinar or join Femme Gaming. Dive into the content of Girls across the grid or Females in Motorsport. Recommend a brilliant woman for that role. Or maybe, next time you’re at the track or online, be the one to say, “Actually, let’s make sure there’s room for everyone.”

Because the future of these worlds belongs to all of us. And it’ll be all the better for it.