Hogan Lovells Extends Commitment to LGBT Community with Global Pride+ Launch
Hogan Lovells has launched a new global LGBT and allies network, Pride+, aimed at enhancing support for and commitment to LGBT+ individuals. The launch also marks support of the International Day Against Homophobia, Bi-phobia and Transphobia.
In a release, the firm said Pride+ will expand upon a number of existing internal LGBT networks across the firm aimed at promoting LGBT inclusion, including in the UK, U.S., Continental Europe, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Pride+ will further promote equality across all 23 countries in which Hogan Lovells operates, promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding at work, regardless of barriers outside the workplace.
The release continues:
Through Pride+ the firm aims to:
• Show global support for the LGBT+ community and to create an inclusive working culture
• Provide a safe environment for LGBT+ individuals to come out (should they wish to) and to speak openly
• Raise awareness of issues facing LGBT+ communities and people in different countries
• Effectively challenge preconceived notions and stereotypes and inappropriate behavior or language.
A key part of Pride+ is encouraging support from LGBT+ allies. Hogan Lovells recognizes the importance of allies to advancing LGBT+ equality and the Pride+ network will provide allies with the means to show their support through events, education, and by advertising their membership of the network internally.
The senior sponsor of the global Pride+ network is David Hudd, Hogan Lovells Deputy Chief Executive Officer. He is supported by fellow partners Mark W. Brennan (Washington D.C.), Sian Owles (London), and Allan Wardrop (Hong Kong), and Head of Legal Project Management, Continental Europe, Christine Siler (Paris).
Speaking on the launch of Pride+, David Hudd commented:
“I am proud that we have chosen today to launch our global LGBT and allies network, Pride+. For Hogan Lovells to thrive professionally, it’s essential to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where our people can bring all of who they are to work. In this diverse world, we all need advocates and allies. This initiative will create a visible network of support for our LGBT+ people – no matter where they are.”
Hogan Lovells has long been one of the most progressive legal firms with regards to tackling LGBT+ matters and creating an inclusive working environment. The firm has achieved regular recognition for its work in LGBT+ advancement, including pro bono work.
Earlier this year, the firm was included in the Top 20 of the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index for the first time, having ranked consistently in the top 50 for several years. This followed being recognised for the eighth time by the Human Rights Campaign with a 100% Corporate Equality Index rating and named a best place to work for LGBT equality in December 2016 in the U.S.