The Lerners LLP Diversity and Inclusion Committee works to continue fostering a culture of constructive communication, trust, dignity, loyalty, and respect among all members of the firm that enables us to attract, retain, and promote the best talent and better serve our clients.
I created this document in celebration of Pride London Festival and to enhance our firm members knowledge of the LGBTQ+ community this month and throughout the year. Take “The Genderbread Person”, for example. It is a fun and helpful guide to understanding the differences between gender identity, gender expression, sex assigned at birth, and sexual orientation.
While the document only scratches the surface when it comes to issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, my hope is that it will spark discussion because there is still much work to be done. Continued knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues helps protect human rights, not only in our own communities but globally as well.
The Lerners celebration continues throughout the month. On Friday, July 13th, our Rainbow Bagel Morning Break will be served by lawyers to staff. It is also a casual day at the firm with all proceeds going to Youth Opportunities Unlimited YOU LGBTQ+ youth group. On Thursday, July 19th, we are hosting a Rainbow Paint Nite directed by a member of London’s LGBTQ+ community with proceeds being donated to Trans London. Most importantly, as an undergraduate student working at the firm, I am pleased that Lerners is taking such a leadership role. Not only is it raising awareness ‘in-house’ about the LGBTQ+ community and Pride London but it is giving back, too.
By: Olinda Manuel, Undergraduate student