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Law Soc, Stonewall launch first major gay careers survey

As someone who made the "mistake" of telling my secretary I was gay 10 years ago (resulting in virtually the whole Firm knowing by the end of the day!) I have mixed feelings about some of these comments. I still made partner a few years after outing myself which suggests I was judged, by my Firm at least, on ability not sexuality. Senior partners in my Firm have also met my long-term partner and there have been few issues, although I do feel that some of them were a little uncomfortable. However, I still have had a few problems as some clients (particularly older, senior board members or bankers) are not as open-minded and knowing what to say on social occasions when the inevitable questions about marriage and children come up can be difficult. I won't lie about my life and so can end up seeming evasive or with little to say. One time, a director of a major client made some very homophobic remarks that I, perhaps wrongly, let go rather than risk damaging the relationship. I am sure (or at least hope) he wouldn't have made racist remarks so openly and feel sure that, if he had, others would have picked him up about it. In short, I think being gay can make developing client relationships, and hence bringing in business, more difficult and this can obviously affect career progression. But, as the next generation take over the more senior positions within our clients, I hope things will change.

21-Apr-2009

2:06 pm