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!