LGBT Great has today launched the #WriteToInspire campaign to mark LGBT History Month 2020 and encourage more people in the investment and savings profession to be visible and share their stories, through joining Project 1000.

Project 1000 is a global five-year drive to spotlight one-thousand LGBT+ and supportive ally role models, all working within the industry. The movement has attracted representation from over sixty different firms in three continents and works collaboratively with the Diversity Project and other initiatives. 

#WriteToInspire

#WriteToInspire builds on the momentum of LGBT Great’s initiatives and serves as a powerful reminder about the importance of the equality movement and the progress taking place in the investment and savings profession. 

Through highlighting the positive actions taken by individuals and firms, LGBT Great is changing perceptions of the investment and savings industry and ensuring that it is seen as an inclusive choice for all prospective employees.

In the UK, LGBT History Month is held throughout February and is important in raising awareness of the challenges faced by the LGBT+ community historically. The theme this year is about inspiring others through writing, and #WriteToInspire highlights the visibility of LGBT+ and ally Project 1000 role models, who have all contributed an online written bio as a beacon of inspiration to others. 

Role models

The #WriteToInspire campaign specifically spotlights four inspirational Project 1000 role models: Emma Palethorpe, a Programme Manager from St James’ Place Wealth Management, Seamus Kearney, a Second Vice-President from Northern Trust, Justin Onuekwusi a Fund Manager from Legal and General Investment Management, and Ann Lynch, a Business Analyst from Schroders. LGBT Great has selected these four individuals based on their contributions to diversity and inclusion. LGBT Great’s global member firms also spearhead the campaign which celebrates LGBT History Month and aims to help increase progress towards the one-thousand goal. 

The Managing Director of LGBT Great, Matthew Cameron, comments that: “The simple concept of role modelship is having a significant impact across our industry by providing minorities with the confidence that they need to succeed. Just a few years ago, there was no support for LGBT+ visibility at a time when expectations from employees, clients and investors were increasing. Our members are proud to mark LGBT History Month, and we hope that this will have a positive impact by encouraging others to follow their lead.”

LGBT Great continues to bring new thinking to the industry by collaborating with other partners and industry sectors who have already made progress with regards to their LGBT+ agendas. The professional services firm EY sponsored LGBT Great’s 2019 #50For50 campaign, which gained the support of fifty industry executives to mark Pride and the fifty years since the Stonewall movement began. 

Click here to read the inspirational #WriteToInspire role model stories.