This article was written by our Pro-Bono legal partner MinterEllison.
On the eve of their fourth successive year of marching in the parade, MinterEllison continues to provide pro bono legal support to Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. As a proud partner of the Mardi Gras for more than 25 years, it’s not surprising to learn that @MinterEllison’s PRIME LGBTQIA+ network is comprised of almost 500 members.
The PRIME network was launched in November 2015 and since then almost 25% of MinterEllison employees have joined as a member or ally. The group is open to all employees who identify as LGBTQIA+ and their allies, with members joining from all of MinterEllison’s Australian offices.
Recognising the strength of the partnership, starting in 2020 and continuing in 2021 and 2022, MinterEllison was the first and only commercial law firm to march in the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras – a momentous occasion for the Firm and its employees.
CEO Virginia Briggs is a passionate advocate of the PRIME network and actively promotes LGBTQIA+ inclusion through internal and external communications and has proudly marched in the Mardi Gras parade for @MinterEllison each year.
MinterEllison has provided significant pro bono legal advice to Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras especially leading up to Sydney WorldPride.
In December 2018, MinterEllison launched its Gender Affirmation Policy supporting gender diverse or transgender colleagues who are considering a transition to affirm their gender identity.
MinterEllison was awarded an AWEI Gold Employer at the LGBTI Inclusion Awards in May 2022, having also achieved Gold Employer status twice before. These Awards recognise employers who have made a significant impact on LGBTQIA+ inclusion within their workplace.
PRIME’s key achievements in the last 12 months include:
- celebrating LGBTQIA+ days of significance with events nationally including IDAHOBIT Day, Mardi Gras and Wear it Purple Day.
- raising funds for LGBTQIA+ charities such as The Pinnacle Foundation and Minus18.
- connecting with LGBTQIA+ law students through their Law Student Societies via round table discussions, sponsorship and mentoring.
The Sydney WorldPride 2023 theme of “Gather Dream Amplify” inspired MinterEllison’s interpretation “ Dream, Strive, Thrive”. Equality, inclusion and respect started with a dream. We strive to make this dream a reality. When the dream is real, we all thrive.