{"id":6421,"date":"2025-06-20T11:49:58","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T11:49:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/?post_type=insight&p=6421"},"modified":"2025-06-24T15:00:39","modified_gmt":"2025-06-24T15:00:39","slug":"il-mese-dellorgoglio-in-rfb-come-celebriamo-il-suo-significato-e-perche-la-rappresentanza-nellindustria-legale-e-fondamentale","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/rfblegal.co.uk\/it\/approfondimenti\/il-mese-dellorgoglio-in-rfb-come-celebriamo-il-suo-significato-e-perche-la-rappresentanza-nellindustria-legale-e-fondamentale\/","title":{"rendered":"Il Mese dell'Orgoglio in RFB: come lo celebriamo, cosa significa per noi e perch\u00e9 la rappresentanza nel settore legale \u00e8 fondamentale.\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

At RFB, Pride<\/a> Month is an opportunity to reflect\u2014not just on progress made, but on the experiences, voices, and people at the heart of our firm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, we spoke with LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies across the business<\/a> to hear what Pride means to them, how they experience inclusion in the legal profession, and what they hope for the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their insights<\/a> are personal, powerful, and a reminder that allyship starts with listening. We\u2019re proud to share their voices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interview 1 was with Litigation Associate, Simone Gavioli.  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Can you share a bit about<\/a> your journey, and what pride means to you? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI started my very first internship at a city firm in 2020, a few days after moving to England<\/a>. 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<\/a>. Lesley just said \u201c\u2026 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.\u201d 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As to Pride, I have gone only 3 or 4 times in my life<\/a>. 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).\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Cosa significa per te far parte della comunit\u00e0 LGBTQ+ alla RFB? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn the 3 months I have been here, I have always felt supported by my peers and more senior<\/a> colleagues, which makes me feel very lucky and very grateful.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Can you share an experience at RFB where you felt seen, supported, or empowered as part of the LGBTQ+ community? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI 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<\/a> we received from our Marketing team<\/a> and the engagement of other lawyers throughout the firm is heartwarming.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Why is representation in law so important for the LGBTQ+ community? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think it is important for every<\/a> industry. Law is the profession where we need to ensure that everyone\u2019s rights are respected and that our society\u2019s rule of law is implemented \u2013 it would be nonsensical to penalise a lawyer on the basis that they are LGBTQ+.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. What message would you share with young LGBTQ+ individuals considering a career in law or looking to join a firm like RFB? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGo for it! The only issues preventing someone from practicing as a Solicitor are breaches<\/a> of the SRA ethics and codes of conduct or issues with SRA character and suitability \u2013 \u201cbeing LGBTQ+\u201d is not among them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest obstacle between a trainee<\/a> and the profession is likely to be the qualification exam, not the student\u2019s identity.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. How are you celebrating pride this year? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPride in London<\/a> is on 5 July and some friends of mine volont\u00e0<\/a> be going to see it. I think I will take a view of whether to go subject to how crowded (and hot) it is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, I am hoping to be able to visit my cousin in Leiden (the Netherlands) later in the year; Leiden has a \u201cboats\u2019 pride\u201d around September \/ October which consists in a long display of boats adorned with rainbows, chiffons, and pop music on their canals. The Boats\u2019 Pride is possibly the most civilised pride ever and my favourite by far. If I can, I will try to go to that one.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. How do you think colleagues at RFB can continue to be strong allies beyond Pride Month? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think that respecting and being kind to everyone is the way to go.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interview 2 was with Partner, Ben Frost <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Puoi raccontarci qualcosa del tuo percorso e di cosa significa per te l\u2019orgoglio?  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIl Pride \u00e8 un\u2019occasione per celebrare e rendere omaggio a una comunit\u00e0 che oggi prospera grazie agli importanti pionieri che hanno ampliato i confini in un\u2019epoca in cui la societ\u00e0 in generale non era cos\u00ec inclusiva come oggi. Si tratta anche di portare avanti la lotta quotidiana per ampliare ulteriormente quei confini, poich\u00e9 il lavoro \u00e8 ben lungi dall\u2019essere concluso per garantire che tutti possano essere apertamente se stessi.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Cosa significa per te far parte della comunit\u00e0 LGBTQ+ alla RFB? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMi piace pensare che alla RFB chiunque possa essere se stesso in tutta libert\u00e0 ed essere accolto, accettato e apprezzato proprio per questo.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Perch\u00e9 la rappresentanza giuridica \u00e8 cos\u00ec importante per la comunit\u00e0 LGBTQ+?  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRepresentation 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<\/a> 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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?  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIl mondo del diritto non \u00e8 pi\u00f9 un club esclusivo riservato a pochi. Non dovrebbero esserci barriere all\u2019accesso basate sull\u2019identit\u00e0 di ciascuno e la porta \u00e8 ora aperta, soprattutto in studi come RFB.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Come festeggerai il Pride quest'anno?  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cL\u2019evento locale a cui ho partecipato \u00e8 il Torbay Pride, che si \u00e8 tenuto il 14 giugno e a cui la mia famiglia ha preso parte prima di andare a mangiare fish and chips!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Secondo te, in che modo i colleghi della RFB possono continuare a essere alleati fidati anche al di l\u00e0 del Mese dell\u2019Orgoglio?  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cViewing the world with open eyes and understanding<\/a> 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\u2019s lives.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interview 3 was with Head of HR, Ginnie Maitland. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1. Perch\u00e9 la rappresentanza giuridica \u00e8 cos\u00ec importante per la comunit\u00e0 LGBTQ+? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    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<\/a> whether that\u2019s with clients, colleagues, or those considering a legal career. It shows that being yourself and having a successful career aren\u2019t mutually exclusive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    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? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Sii te stesso e credi nelle tue capacit\u00e0. La professione ha bisogno di persone provenienti da ogni ambito della vita, e il tuo punto di vista \u00e8 prezioso. Noi di RFB prendiamo sul serio l\u2019inclusione, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Interview 4 was with Paralegal, Annabelle Simpson. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      1. Puoi raccontarci qualcosa del tuo percorso e di cosa significa per te l\u2019orgoglio? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cFor 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      2. Cosa significa per te far parte della comunit\u00e0 LGBTQ+ alla RFB? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cTo 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      3. Can you share an experience at RFB where you felt seen, supported, or empowered as part of the LGBTQ+ community? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cAn 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\u2019 values and spirit.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      4. Why is representation in law so important for the LGBTQ+ community? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cRepresentation in law is difficult at the best of times but for the LGBTQ+ community, this presents aggiuntivo<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      5. What message would you share with young LGBTQ+ individuals considering a career in law or looking to join a firm like RFB? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cA 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\u2019s and stereotypes but finding a firm or department that is genuinely kind and considerate is the place to start.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      6. How are you celebrating pride this year? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cI 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      7. How do you think colleagues at RFB can continue to be strong allies beyond Pride Month? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \u201cI 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\u2019s work and ethos\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Interview 5 was with Marketing Executive, Sadie Petchey. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

      1. Puoi raccontarci qualcosa del tuo percorso e di cosa significa per te l\u2019orgoglio? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        \u201cPer me, l\u2019orgoglio significa sostenerci a vicenda e fare il tifo per tutte le persone che ci circondano. In qualit\u00e0 di alleati, \u00e8 fondamentale usare i nostri privilegi per aiutare a dare maggiore risalto alle voci dei nostri amici LGBTQ+\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        2. Perch\u00e9 la rappresentanza giuridica \u00e8 cos\u00ec importante per la comunit\u00e0 LGBTQ+? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          \u201cLa rappresentanza della comunit\u00e0 LGBTQ+ nel settore legale \u00e8 fondamentale. Non solo rende l\u2019ambiente di lavoro legale accogliente e inclusivo per tutti, ma contribuisce anche a essere fonte di ispirazione per i giovani che fanno parte di questa comunit\u00e0. Trasmette il messaggio che si pu\u00f2 realizzare qualsiasi obiettivo ci si prefigga, indipendentemente dalla persona che si ama o dall\u2019identit\u00e0 con cui ci si identifica. \u00c8 inoltre importante contrastare ogni pregiudizio con amore e sostegno nei confronti dei nostri colleghi LGBTQ+.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          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? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          1. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            \u201cCome professionisti del marketing, ci impegniamo a promuovere un ambiente sicuro e inclusivo per tutti. Comprendiamo le diverse difficolt\u00e0 che potreste affrontare nella vita e siamo al vostro fianco. Siamo qui per celebrare tutti.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            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!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Da parte di tutti noi qui a RFB, auguriamo a tutti un felice Mese dell\u2019Orgoglio e speriamo che vi godiate al meglio qualsiasi festa abbiate in programma! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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