"I view Pride as a celebration where the LGBTQ+ community and its allies are able to recognise the progress we have made as a community and celebrate who we are as individuals. But it is also a call to action—because not only is there more work to do, in some places hard-earned rights are being rolled back and threatened, and we can't be complacent. The LGBTQ+ community should not only have one day a year to celebrate who we are, we should be able to celebrate it every day."

Melissa Butler, Partner, London

"Pride to me represents a time of reflection on how far rights have progressed, and a month to recognize the authenticity and self-acceptance many have had to fight so hard to get. Launching the APAC Spectrum toward the end of last year, 2023 is the first Pride Month we are celebrating as a network in the APAC region—signifying community changes in attitude as we inch closer to equality and spark the necessary conversations to get us there."

Lucas Chen, Associate, Melbourne/ Tokyo

"Pride is a great time to celebrate and connect with others in the LGBTQ+ space. However, it is also a time to reflect on those who suffered before us, those suffering now, and the amazing work being done by people to make the world a kinder and more accepting place."

Adam Dedynski, Professional Support Lawyer, London

"It's incredibly important to celebrate our human diversity, the advancement that the LGBTQ+ community has made, and individual roles that people have played in that progress. We also need to acknowledge where society has to progress further to be truly inclusive, and push forward optimistically."

Nicholas Denby, Global Head of Business Intelligence, London

"To me, Pride is a powerful celebration of joy and love in the face of adversity and division. In the context of increasing socio-political polarization and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation (particularly in the US), it is now as important as ever to come together to celebrate, support and uplift one another."

Harjas Dhillon, Trainee, London

"Pride Month is such an important time to highlight acceptance, equality and celebrating the work of all LGBTQ+ people. Pride Month is also an opportunity to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ history and educate the general public about LGBTQ+ topics."

Pascal Gerbier, Guest Services Manager, London

"For me, Pride is a joyful celebration of individuality and freedom, one that is generously inclusive. These days, when forces of paternalism seek to limit our individuality, our freedom and our experiences of joy, it is also an act of resistance. I'm celebrating Pride in 2023 because I see the oppression of LGBTQ+ people around the world as a threat to anyone who wishes to express themselves freely and live their lives fully."

Mikki Mahan, Head of Global Communications, London

"One of White & Case's values is "Human" and after coming out as non-binary last year I have only received positive responses and genuine support and kindness from friends and colleagues worldwide which really embodied this core value. I hope more people feel safe to come out in their workplace and having events like Pride, which draw attention to this community and allow people to show their support and solidarity, is more important than ever especially after the recent decisions to ban trans women from competing in athletics and to prevent trans children from using their preferred toilets at school. As a member of this community this news is personally distressing and feels like a step backwards when, in 2023, we should only be moving forwards. Pride started as a protest and continues to be a protest. It saddens and angers me that LGBTQIA+ people still have to fight for the same basic human rights as cis and hetero people. I stand with my trans and non-binary siblings who should be able to belong wherever, and however, they feel most comfortable. Something people can remember this Pride is that small gestures such as using the right pronouns or checking in on someone can go a long way and make people feel seen and accepted for who they are."

Emery Graham, EMEA Research & Information Services Team Lead, London

"My joy in existing as a queer woman is thanks to the love and support of my friends, family and colleagues, and to those who have fought for LGBTQ+ rights throughout history. Now it's our turn to fight for our community's right to experience joy without fear and protection without exception."

Lydia Johnson, Global Citizenship Coordinator, London

"I think it's important to mark Pride in 2023, especially in support of our trans, non-binary and drag artist siblings who are facing more challenges, discrimination and harmful laws as each day goes by."

Emma Lloyd-Johnson, Associate Director, Applications Management, London

"For me, Pride 2023 is my first year being 'out' to more than just myself and very few close friends. I grew up in an environment where not only was it unsafe to be myself, but I didn't know that I could be anything other than what was expected. And because of that, I spent a lot of years struggling with my identity. While there are still challenges around acceptance, even from myself, I find that I have become a much freer, happier version of me, and I can't wait to celebrate that."

Meg Nolan, Strategic Proposals Manager, London

"There are LGBTQ+ people everywhere in the world, in societies both open and closed to them, who suffer from challenges from their environment and from within themselves, who we cannot abandon or forget. So in marking Pride, I remember them. And I celebrate for myself how authentic I can be, still remembering that I was shaped by life before Pride—but, here I am!"

David Quintavalle, Associate Director, HR Operations, London

"Pride has always been an important celebration for the LGBTQ+ community, but its origins were in protest and the struggle for equal treatment and equal rights. Given the recent change of mood in society, particularly towards trans and non-binary people, it certainly feels like this year there needs to be a greater focus on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community than in recent years, though there is also certainly still much to celebrate. I look forward to doing both!"

Jonathan Toffolo, Associate, London

"Marking Pride in 2023 is a way to recognize and celebrate the progress that has been made in LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance over the years. As someone who has experienced the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, I feel a sense of accomplishment and hope when I participate in Pride events. It's an opportunity to show support for the community and demonstrate my commitment to continuing progress toward a more inclusive and understanding society. I identify as a member of the community, and I have close friends and family members who are LGBTQ+ as well, so by commemorating Pride, I am able to express my solidarity and show that I stand with the LGBTQ+ community in the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance. It also allows me to honor the experiences of those who have faced discrimination and prejudice, and reminds me of the importance of supporting the community in any way I can."

Pierre-Marie Fusz, Law Clerk, Paris