An LGBTQIA+ Perspective - Feeling Valued at Biscoes

Being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I’ve often found that sharing personal stories can be both empowering but also daunting.

I feel that opening up about my personal experiences and identity requires a level of vulnerability that not everyone is ready to face; which is why I’ve chosen to write this blog anonymously.

By staying anonymous, I hope to create a space where honestly and experiences can be shared without the fear of judgment. This blog isn’t just about my personal experiences; its about offering a voice to those who might feel that they don’t have one. It’s a way to contribute to the ongoing conversation about love, identity and belonging – without the obstacles that might come with sharing personal details.

Do you feel that your identity as LGBTQIA+ has affected your path into your role?

Yes, being a part of the community has definitely influenced my path into my role. It has shaped how I view the world, navigate challenges and interact with others around me. I have learnt that it is important to stay true to yourself, even when it wasn’t always easy or widely accepted.

Having faced discrimination and been excluded due to my identity, I know the importance of making people feel comfortable and included which I now prioritise in my role. I believe my experiences have helped me and strengthened my commitment to making sure everyone feels valued and heard. I also like to think that my experiences have has given me a strong sense of resilience and empathy, which I try to carry into my work.

What advice would you give other people who are thinking of a career in law and who might be worried about their identity as LGBTQIA+ impacting on that?

Don’t change who you are or what you believe in just because you’re worried you won’t fit in; everyone is different and unique! It’s understandable to be scared or apprehensive going into a new working environment due to past experiences, but times are changing! There’s a growing movement toward inclusivity and acceptance, not just in the legal field but in society as a whole.

Being present and proud of your identity in the work place can help break down barriers and create more inclusive spaces for future generations. At the end of the day, your workplace needs people who are driven, passionate and good at what they do. Identifying as a LGBTQIA+ person doesn’t reduce your ability to succeed or determine how good you are at your job; instead it adds to the richness and diversity of the legal world!

If I could give just one bit of advice, it would be to just continue to be your true, authentic self!

Do you have any adverse experiences in the workplace, linked to your sexual orientation?

Of course, there have been times in my previous roles where I have received hate, animosity and discrimination based on my sexual orientation. Not only was it really upsetting, but it also knocked my confidence and made me question whether I was good enough in my role. It made the environment in the office feel awkward and changed the friendships I had with my colleagues.

These experiences happen so much more than I initially thought, and It’s so important to share stories and talk about each other’s experiences to make people aware that this is still an ongoing issue in today’s society. At the end of the day, we are all just people who want to feel like we belong.

What could we as a company or as a profession to do make things easier for LGBTQIA+ staff or clients?

In my opinion, the environment Biscoes has created in all their offices has been very friendly and inviting. I have worked in different roles in a variety of different sectors, and I have never worked for a company that is so openly supportive of the community like Biscoes is. Biscoes not only have a Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Policy; but they also sponsor Portsmouth Pride UK and have a Pride Committee which assists in planning and contributing to the event. I have never once felt discriminated against or put at a disadvantage due to my identity at Biscoes, instead I have felt the most safe and comfortable in a working environment so far! I’m proud to work at Biscoes.