On Monday, June 14 the Ontario Legal Community had the opportunity to celebrate Pride Month and participate in a discussion on Queer and BIPOC identities in law.  This virtual program was co-hosted by the Law Society of Ontario and the Ontario Bar Association, Sexual Orientation Gender Identity Law Section. Participants were treated to a discussion centred around:

• Legal Education and Mentorship
• Retention and advancement in the profession; and
• Community and Solidarity

Speakers included a diverse group of individuals who work in different areas of the legal profession, including the judiciary.  It was an eye-opening evening including a discussion regarding discrimination based on race, gender identity and sexual orientation.  Participants left with a greater understanding of the different experiences of others in legal education and career advancement, as well as ideas about how our profession can work toward the ideals of equity, diversity and inclusion.

Take away points included:

• Respecting pronouns is a professional responsibility
• Finding and creating community is important and involves:
  • welcoming space
  • educating ourselves
  • listening and learning; and
  • mutual respect
• Mentorship and Eldership opportunities are everywhere and should be explored
• What professionalism looks like has been shaped by our forefathers
• Acknowledging land claims is important
• It is important to see ourselves reflected in all levels of the profession, including appellate courts and the Supreme Court of Canada
• We should be saddened if people are excluded from a community we have co-created
• We need to courageously look for an understanding of what equity means including what systemic equity looks like; and
• Together we can bravely explore the mechanics of change

As members of the Law Society of Ontario, we are required to attend a minimum amount of Equity and Diversity educational content annually.  This program was truly eye-opening and a great opportunity to move toward the kind of legal community where all can find respect and inclusion.

By Colleen Burn of Tucker Lachaîne Personal Injury Lawyers