LGBT Great calls for investment industry to support LGBT History Month
Support from LGIM and Fidelity
Global investment industry network and campaigners LGBT Great has called on the investment and savings industry to support LGBT History Month this February.
The LGBT+ inclusivity programme is calling on firms to embrace LGBT History Month by showing support for the #hereiam campaign.
LGBT History Month is an annual celebration that provides learning and insights into the challenges facing the LGBT+ community. It is marked by schools, colleges and organisations and aims to primarily teach young people about the history of the LGBT+ rights movement while promoting inclusivity.
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LGBT Great MD Matt Cameron said: "The theme for LGBT History Month this year is 'Peace, Activism and Reconciliation' and LGBT Great is calling on the industry to be 'active' in support for the LGBT+ community.
"This acts as a reminder of how far we have come and provides aspiring talent with confidence that they can find acceptance and support in the investment and savings industry".
The #hereiam campaign, launched in September last year, has already garnered support from over 50 different investment companies in three different continents including LGIM, Northern Trust, Fidelity, T. Rowe Price and St. James' Place Wealth Management.
Robert Higginbotham, management committee member at T. Rowe Price, added: "It is important that the asset management industry works collectively to address representation gaps and improve diversity and inclusion by encouraging individuals to feel comfortable.
"We are committed to supporting LGBT+ talent within T. Rowe Price and the wider industry in working with LGBT Great".
Colette Comerford, head of inclusion culture at LGIM, and member of the Diversity Project Steering Group, said: "This movement is gaining in influence and impact, empowering talented people who in turn help to demonstrate the value LGBT+ people bring to our firms and will encourage others to join in.
"I am proud to work for LGIM with its inclusive culture, led by the leadership team, and which celebrated the first anniversary of L&GBT, LGIM's LGBT+ network in November and as well as being a founding partner of LGBT Great."
LGBT Great also works with investment firms to develop bespoke LGBT+ inclusion strategies by executing innovative education, visibility and outreach programs.
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Project director, Peter Hall, said: "All investment firms, however big or small, should recognise LGBT History Month in some capacity. This can be as simple as sharing a social media post or simply attending an event.
"This sends a powerful message to young people and reminds us all of the battles that have been fought and won. Such support can have a big impact for individual firms and enable them to resonate with future talent who is looking for demonstrating on ethical leadership when considering a potential employer".
The group is delivering a series of LGBT History Month workshops in February to mark this important time for the LGBT+ community.
About the author
Jayna is senior reporter and investment trust correspondent at Investment Week. She joined the publication in August 2015 after graduating with an MA in Multimedia Journalism from the University of Kent.
Jayna holds the NCTJ diploma and has experience in print, online and broadcast journalism. She is responsible for the Investment Week monthly podcast.
