Celebrating Pride Month

“I don't think that, as human beings, social beings, we can reach our full potential if we're not comfortable and able to be ourselves while doing our work.” - Lucy L'Hirondelle, Partner, Calgary

We invited leaders and members from our Pride networks across the firm to talk about the importance and impact of the network, as well as looking forward at what the network has planned for the coming months and years.

When speaking about your personal life with colleagues, I think people should be encouraged to use non-gendered language when asking questions, such as referring to a partner, rather than wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend etc. It feels more open minded and starts you both off on the right foot by not assuming that the person you are speaking to is straight. It also avoids placing the responsibility on the LGBTIQ+ individual to have to correct the other person. Less awkwardness and more open mindedness all round!- Lucy Heenan, Associate, London

Even more proud voices

Hear the thoughts of our colleagues from previous years, as part of our ongoing proud voices series.

Pride and Pride Allies network

Our global Pride network engages LGBTIQ+ employees and partners across all of our offices. We currently have active chapters in the US, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, the UK and South Africa.

Pride contributes to our diversity and inclusion agenda by encouraging the recruitment, retention and professional development of LGBTIQ+ talent, providing guidance on LGBTIQ+ inclusive policies and identifying opportunities to participate in volunteering and pro bono initiatives which support the LGBTIQ+ community. Pride has also helped us to develop and strengthen relationships with clients through their own LGBTIQ+ networks.

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) people. We have developed and implemented LGBTIQ+ inclusive policies and resources, including toolkits to help managers understand the challenges that an LGBTIQ+ team member may face and the support they can offer.

More about DE&I at Norton Rose Fulbright

We all have things that we need to learn more about – this isn’t a personal failure, it’s an opportunity for growth. You may unintentionally say things that upset others. Accept the learning curve, but be accountable and to make an active effort to change any hurtful behaviors in future.Rachel Rosenfeld, Senior Associate, Washington, DC

Perspectives

Some of our colleagues share their personal stories and experiences on our diversity and inclusion blog, Perspectives.