It's two years since Brodies launched colleague networks as part of the firm's commitment to inclusion and diversity, we reflect on the progress and achievements of the Pride Network as part of our observation and celebration of Pride Month 2023.

At the time, we set out our goal – to have:

"a safe and visible space for LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies at Brodies to come together; to share experiences; to learn and teach; to form a supportive and inclusive community."

That progress includes:

  • Setting up a bank of useful resources on all matters LGBTQ+ for our colleagues, and creating a does-what-it-says-on-the-tin "Guide to Pride", detailing the history of the celebration and activism surrounding Pride, including the origins of the Stonewall Riots.
  • Sharing insights on the everyday experiences of the LGBTQ+ community and how to provide a safe, welcoming and understanding environment for LGBTQ+ friends, family, colleagues and contacts in recognition of the obstacles still faced by the community around the globe. Those included learning about the history of LGBTQ+ rights; using correct pronouns and identifiers; not making unnecessary and often unhelpful assumptions about individuals' sexual orientation and gender identity, while at the same time recognising and respecting their boundaries regarding that information; and perhaps most significantly speaking up for the LGBTQ+ community
  • We've hosted and attended seminars and talks throughout the year on LGBTQ+ history and current issues.
  • We're pleased to have contributed to communications on inclusive language, including the use of pronouns in email signatures; and in particular collaborating with other colleague networks on the move away from "Dear Sirs" in formal language; and most recently,
  • Teaming up with the Parents' Networking Group to host NSPCC Scotland, discussing how NSPCC Scotland and its free service, Childline, support LGBTQ+ children and young people.

Coming together in all our similarities and differences brings a uniqueness to who we are as a firm, the perspectives that we bring to our work and the services we bring to our clients. We're looking forward to the next 12 months and developing our role and activities in the LGBTQ+ space.