A future where... celebrating Pride at A&O Shearman

That’s why marking Pride in 2024 is so vital. Our theme – ‘A future where…’ is all about fostering a more inclusive and equal future for the LGBTQ+ community.

It is also our first Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) campaign as A&O Shearman. Together we celebrate diversity and advocacy.

This year we asked A&O Shearman colleagues to share their collective hopes, spotlighting the desire for an equitable society where LGBTQ+ individuals are fully embraced. By providing a platform for LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies to connect, we are focused on creating supportive spaces that transcend geographical boundaries.

Visible allyship and support 

A key focus of the campaign is to engage employees worldwide in visible allyship, offering support to LGBTQ+ individuals who face challenges due to discrimination.

The campaign also seeks to highlight intersectional perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community, raising awareness of the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups.

A&O Shearman offices across the world will be celebrating pride in many different ways.

In Hong Kong, events like "All shall be well" and "Pride and parenthood" will address topics such as legal developments and family planning for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The U.S. will see participation in the Washington Pride Parade.

Vietnam's offices will burst with color and pride through various activities, and Belfast will proudly join its local Pride parade.

In London a special Pride Garden has been installed.

As our head of DE&I, Jo Dooley, said: “The Pride Garden is more than just a physical space; it’s a symbol of our ongoing dedication to the LGBTQ+ community and a reminder that, while we have come far, the path to equality continues.”

A collective journey towards equality

Our celebration of Pride is more than a series of events; it's a collective journey towards a future where every LGBTQ+ person can live authentically and without fear. A&O Shearman's global pride campaign is a testament to the firm's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and contribution to creating a truly inclusive society.

We want to see a world, as colleagues in our Hong Kong office put it, where:  “The next generation of LGBTQ+ youth worldwide are empowered to lead with pride, shaping a world that cherishes their potential and dreams.”

Colleagues in our offices in Rome and Milan see a future where:  “Being yourself is a career asset and not a challenge. Anywhere.”

While in Singapore the A&O Shearman team said: “You can be yourself, show your true self and love yourself as you are.”

Happy Pride!