At RFB, Pride Month is an opportunity to reflect—not just on progress made, but on the experiences, voices, and people at the heart of our firm.
This year, we spoke with LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies across the business to hear what Pride means to them, how they experience inclusion in the legal profession, and what they hope for the future.
Their insights are personal, powerful, and a reminder that allyship starts with listening. We’re proud to share their voices.
Interview 1 was with Litigation Associate, Simone Gavioli.
1. Can you share a bit about your journey, and what pride means to you?
“I started my very first internship at a city firm in 2020, a few days after moving to England. I was socially out, but I remember feeling a bit apprehensive of coming out at work. My supervisor at the time, Lesley, took me for a tour of the offices and introduced me to lots of people, one of which was the Head of Marketing. Lesley just said “… and this is Paul, he is the chair of our LGBTQ+ interest group, which I think you should join as sometimes it helps to meet other gay people at work.” That took me by surprise, as I had not discussed sexual orientation with Lesley, but it was enough for me to understand that it is fine to be out at work, if one wants to.
As to Pride, I have gone only 3 or 4 times in my life. I tend not to go unless I can be within the parade, as I struggle with big crowds. Nonetheless, I do think it is a very important anniversary, as it reminds us that inclusion and respect of minorities is something that required constant work (especially in the current international political climate).”
2. Cosa significa per te far parte della comunità LGBTQ+ alla RFB?
“In the 3 months I have been here, I have always felt supported by my peers and more senior colleagues, which makes me feel very lucky and very grateful.”
3. Can you share an experience at RFB where you felt seen, supported, or empowered as part of the LGBTQ+ community?
“I have particularly appreciated that my supervisors encouraged me to share my article on pride and to submit ideas for Pride Month. Equally, I think that the supporto we received from our Marketing team and the engagement of other lawyers throughout the firm is heartwarming.”
4. Why is representation in law so important for the LGBTQ+ community?
“I think it is important for every industry. Law is the profession where we need to ensure that everyone’s rights are respected and that our society’s rule of law is implemented – it would be nonsensical to penalise a lawyer on the basis that they are LGBTQ+.”
5. What message would you share with young LGBTQ+ individuals considering a career in law or looking to join a firm like RFB?
“Go for it! The only issues preventing someone from practicing as a Solicitor are breaches of the SRA ethics and codes of conduct or issues with SRA character and suitability – “being LGBTQ+” is not among them.
The biggest obstacle between a trainee and the profession is likely to be the qualification exam, not the student’s identity.”
6. How are you celebrating pride this year?
“Pride in London is on 5 July and some friends of mine volontà be going to see it. I think I will take a view of whether to go subject to how crowded (and hot) it is.
Also, I am hoping to be able to visit my cousin in Leiden (the Netherlands) later in the year; Leiden has a “boats’ pride” around September / October which consists in a long display of boats adorned with rainbows, chiffons, and pop music on their canals. The Boats’ Pride is possibly the most civilised pride ever and my favourite by far. If I can, I will try to go to that one.”
7. How do you think colleagues at RFB can continue to be strong allies beyond Pride Month?
“I think that respecting and being kind to everyone is the way to go.”
Interview 2 was with Partner, Ben Frost
1. Puoi raccontarci qualcosa del tuo percorso e di cosa significa per te l’orgoglio?
“Il Pride è un’occasione per celebrare e rendere omaggio a una comunità che oggi prospera grazie agli importanti pionieri che hanno ampliato i confini in un’epoca in cui la società in generale non era così inclusiva come oggi. Si tratta anche di portare avanti la lotta quotidiana per ampliare ulteriormente quei confini, poiché il lavoro è ben lungi dall’essere concluso per garantire che tutti possano essere apertamente se stessi.”
2. Cosa significa per te far parte della comunità LGBTQ+ alla RFB?
“Mi piace pensare che alla RFB chiunque possa essere se stesso in tutta libertà ed essere accolto, accettato e apprezzato proprio per questo.”
3. Perché la rappresentanza giuridica è così importante per la comunità LGBTQ+?
“Representation in law is just as important as representation in any field, but it is perhaps especially so given the historical nature of a certain class of individuals, stereotypically being the lawmakers of this Country. Law is a combination of the modern-day morals of the times, adapting to those needs. The LGBTQ+ community have been persecuted by black letter law and in some instances, continue to be so. It is therefore crucial that diversity is continued to be encouraged so that the legislature and other legal sectors have representatives of the LGBTQ+ community to illustrate to others the issues that may not be apparent to those not in the community in order to make positive change.”
4. Quale messaggio vorresti trasmettere ai giovani LGBTQ+ che stanno valutando una carriera nel settore legale o che desiderano entrare a far parte di uno studio come RFB?
“Il mondo del diritto non è più un club esclusivo riservato a pochi. Non dovrebbero esserci barriere all’accesso basate sull’identità di ciascuno e la porta è ora aperta, soprattutto in studi come RFB.”
5. Come festeggerai il Pride quest'anno?
“L’evento locale a cui ho partecipato è il Torbay Pride, che si è tenuto il 14 giugno e a cui la mia famiglia ha preso parte prima di andare a mangiare fish and chips!”
6. Secondo te, in che modo i colleghi della RFB possono continuare a essere alleati fidati anche al di là del Mese dell’Orgoglio?
“Viewing the world with open eyes and understanding that the person next to you may not have had the same experiences as you. Therefore, you should always treat everyone with kindness and respect as we do not know the struggles in each other’s lives.”
Interview 3 was with Head of HR, Ginnie Maitland.
1. Perché la rappresentanza giuridica è così importante per la comunità LGBTQ+?
People need to see that the legal profession is open to everyone. When LGBTQ+ individuals are visible in law, it challenges outdated ideas and helps build trust whether that’s with clients, colleagues, or those considering a legal career. It shows that being yourself and having a successful career aren’t mutually exclusive.
2. Quale messaggio vorresti trasmettere ai giovani LGBTQ+ che stanno valutando una carriera nel settore legale o che desiderano entrare a far parte di uno studio come RFB?
Sii te stesso e credi nelle tue capacità. La professione ha bisogno di persone provenienti da ogni ambito della vita, e il tuo punto di vista è prezioso. Noi di RFB prendiamo sul serio l’inclusione, non solo a parole, ma anche nei fatti. Non devi cambiare chi sei per avere successo presso RFB o nel mondo del diritto in generale.
Interview 4 was with Paralegal, Annabelle Simpson.
1. Puoi raccontarci qualcosa del tuo percorso e di cosa significa per te l’orgoglio?
“For me pride means a beautiful culmination of people from all walks of life and society. Whilst not having or experiencing this journey directly, I have celebrated pride with my family who are members and my friends. To be part of pride requires showing up and asking the difficult questions, silence makes you complacent; and to me pride is love.
2. Cosa significa per te far parte della comunità LGBTQ+ alla RFB?
“To be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community at RFB means supporting my peers and always having their back. This means that whilst I will never fully understand the unique struggles they face, I can always be there for them and spread positivity and acceptance.”
3. Can you share an experience at RFB where you felt seen, supported, or empowered as part of the LGBTQ+ community?
“An experience where I felt seen at RFB, whilst not being part of the community but the immense interest in taking part in pride as a firm showcases the firms’ values and spirit.”
4. Why is representation in law so important for the LGBTQ+ community?
“Representation in law is difficult at the best of times but for the LGBTQ+ community, this presents aggiuntivo challenges. It means trying to present yourself in a profession that is steeped in tradition, which is slow to change, but must adapt to survive in changing times.
5. What message would you share with young LGBTQ+ individuals considering a career in law or looking to join a firm like RFB?
“A message I would share for individuals considering a career in law is to find a firm that reflects your values. There are law firms that celebrate pride and there are those that celebrate the uniqueness of their staff all year round. RFB may celebrate pride specifically throughout July, but it accepts and embodies these values every day. Law like any profession contains stigma’s and stereotypes but finding a firm or department that is genuinely kind and considerate is the place to start.”
6. How are you celebrating pride this year?
“I have yet to decide how I am celebrating pride this year. Last year I celebrated with my friends, but I am still figuring things out for July.”
7. How do you think colleagues at RFB can continue to be strong allies beyond Pride Month?
“I think colleagues can continue to be allies by maintaining that level of respect and kindness all year round. Pride should not be seen as a token event viewed in isolation. It should remain a priority in all aspects of the firm’s work and ethos”
Interview 5 was with Marketing Executive, Sadie Petchey.
1. Puoi raccontarci qualcosa del tuo percorso e di cosa significa per te l’orgoglio?
“Per me, l’orgoglio significa sostenerci a vicenda e fare il tifo per tutte le persone che ci circondano. In qualità di alleati, è fondamentale usare i nostri privilegi per aiutare a dare maggiore risalto alle voci dei nostri amici LGBTQ+”
2. Perché la rappresentanza giuridica è così importante per la comunità LGBTQ+?
“La rappresentanza della comunità LGBTQ+ nel settore legale è fondamentale. Non solo rende l’ambiente di lavoro legale accogliente e inclusivo per tutti, ma contribuisce anche a essere fonte di ispirazione per i giovani che fanno parte di questa comunità. Trasmette il messaggio che si può realizzare qualsiasi obiettivo ci si prefigga, indipendentemente dalla persona che si ama o dall’identità con cui ci si identifica. È inoltre importante contrastare ogni pregiudizio con amore e sostegno nei confronti dei nostri colleghi LGBTQ+.”
3. Quale messaggio vorresti trasmettere ai giovani LGBTQ+ che stanno valutando una carriera nel settore legale o che desiderano entrare a far parte di uno studio come RFB?
“Come professionisti del marketing, ci impegniamo a promuovere un ambiente sicuro e inclusivo per tutti. Comprendiamo le diverse difficoltà che potreste affrontare nella vita e siamo al vostro fianco. Siamo qui per celebrare tutti.”
Noi di RFB siamo orgogliosi di dare risalto alle opinioni dei nostri collaboratori. Desideriamo ringraziare le persone sopra citate che hanno contribuito e partecipato alle nostre interviste; apprezziamo moltissimo i vostri spunti!
Da parte di tutti noi qui a RFB, auguriamo a tutti un felice Mese dell’Orgoglio e speriamo che vi godiate al meglio qualsiasi festa abbiate in programma!
