‘It's not about wokeness’: why we need LGBTQ+ History

27-02-2023

Michael Hawkins

‘It's not about wokeness’: why we need LGBTQ+ History

Jacob Lund / Shutterstock.com

As this month celebrates the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, Michael Hawkins of Noerr explores why the event is for every IP attorney who desires a more equal, diverse profession.

Do we really need LGBTQ+ History Month? There is no doubt that our profession, as well as most Western societies, have advanced significantly in recent years when it comes to recognising the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. 

We have today reached a place where many belonging to this (and my community) feel like their sexuality or gender identity neither hinders or even really plays a part in their professional lives.

A History Month, or Week, whether it is for the LGBTQ+ community, or the Black community, is a great way both for members of the community to recognise and celebrate the progress that has been made in equality and fairness, the contributions of prominent individuals from their community to society as a whole, as well as to redress the historic under-reporting of contributions of members of these communities. 


Noerr, LGBTQ+, IP attorney, D&I, mental health

WIPR