4th July 2022

Last week, the whole firm gathered to mark the end of Pride month. Our Pride ‘Brunch & Learn’ event began with a hugely informative and thought-provoking presentation from Associate, Alex Mullins on “Talking with Pride, not Prejudice: Language as a Vehicle for Change”.

Alex spoke about the importance and power of language and how the misuse of words can reinforce stereotypes and prejudices, leading to discrimination and abuse.  He gave guidance on how to use more inclusive language in the workplace and beyond and concluded that “when we use inclusive and insightful language, we embrace difference and diversity – thereby creating a culture and community based on the principles of equality, integrity and respect.”

Huw Morris, Partner & Head of Lee & Thompson’s Inclusion & Belonging Network said:

“Equity, integrity and respect are central to our culture at Lee & Thompson. We are working hard as a firm to ensure that we are staying informed and educated and that we are always striving to improve how we interact with everyone we work with. This year marks 50 years since the first Pride in London march in 1972. Pride is a celebration of LGBTQ+ inclusion and progress but also a chance to remember how far we have come and those we have lost along the journey. I am proud that Lee & Thompson has taken time during Pride Month to learn, discuss and improve, which we will continue to do beyond Pride Month of course, as part of our on-going inclusion and belonging strategy.”

The talk was followed by brunch, giving everyone a chance to take a short break from work and discuss what they had heard and learned about inclusive language – as well as enjoy bagels and cake! The firm’s intranet also has a permanent dedicated page of inclusion and diversity related resources, cultural recommendations and advice.

As well as serving Proud Beer at the event, an LGBTQ+ owned business which donates a share of its profits to Diversity Role Models, The Albert Kennedy Trust and The Terrance Higgins Trust. To mark Pride, Lee & Thompson also made a donation to Queer Britain, the UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum, newly opened in Kings Cross. Huw Morris is a Patron.

To find out more about Lee & Thompson’s values and culture, click here.