Contributors
International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) hosted a celebration to mark Leeds Pride in partnership with Building Equality, an alliance of construction consultants, engineers, developers, contractors, and institutions who are passionate about working together and harnessing a collective power to drive LGBTQ+.
Sarah Wales-Canning, a Managing Associate in WBD's Leeds Construction team, Curtis Fox, Solicitor in WBD's Leeds Property Disputes team and a member of WBD's Pride Network, and Steven Adams from Mott MacDonald and Building Equality's Chair for Leeds, teamed up to organise the event at WBD's Leeds office.
Attendees were invited to get ready for the Leeds Pride parade by decorating their own hard hat, and getting glam with glitter, face paint and temporary tattoos whilst enjoying some light refreshments.
Commenting on the event, Steven Adams said:
"It was great to see how much love and support there is for the LGBTQIA+ community from the construction and engineering sectors. Leeds Pride is a fantastic event to celebrate diversity and inclusivity, but it is essential that we continue promoting equality and standing in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community all year round, and work together to create an inclusive built environment."
Fiona Graham, co-Chair of WBD's Pride Network and Partner in WBD's Leeds office, added:
"At WBD Pride, we work really hard to create an environment where everyone feels able to bring their whole selves to work. Celebrating this year's Leeds Pride is a key part of that, making a clear statement to everyone inside and outside our business that we fully support our LGBTQ+ colleagues and clients, and that we want them to feel comfortable in being themselves."
WBD's Pride Network is open to everyone at the firm, including allies and colleagues who have friends and relations who are LGBTQ+. You can find out more about the steps that WBD has taken to support LGBTQ+ colleagues in its Responsible Business Report 2022. Last year, WBD was recognised by Stonewall in its Top 100 Employers 2023 list and has received a Gold Award for being an LGBTQ+ inclusive employer.
