I had just started my first legal job in London. It was an exciting time, I was “on track” and heading in the right direction.

To me, law firms were conservative and old-fashioned places to work – not somewhere you would want to put your head above the water or stick out. There was no space for my personal life, and I needed to leave it at the door. I wanted to be like everyone else; being out to my colleagues and team did not feel like an option or relevant.

As you can imagine, this became harder and more difficult with every day that passed. I had only recently come out. Whilst embracing my full self personally was coming naturally; professionally this did not feel achievable or attainable. In the quest to “fit in” at work, I felt like I was lying to myself and everyone around me. I was not happy, but conflicted and drained.

A very comprehensive Pride schedule offered by my employer, which included talks, lunch and learns, Pride-branded items and a charter that was signed by any willing employee. Both internally and externally, Pride was highly visible for all to see that these were important issues to my employer.

These actions, although seemingly small, were so valuable to me and my own personal journey. It showed me that this was important to everyone around me. People valued me – all of me – and wanted to hear about it!

As the various Pride-branded items turned up on my colleagues’ desks, I realised that there was space for me to bring my whole self to work. Effective allyship was real and encouraged. It projected and created a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment and made me feel welcome and included.

Those Pride celebrations changed my perception of the legal profession and made me realise that there was space for me (all of me). I no longer felt the need to hide behind gender neutral terminology, vague descriptions of my weekend plans, and shutting out large parts of myself at work. It made me happier and more fulfilled. Pride and its celebration helped me come to terms with being honest, open and true to myself.

Some people assume that Pride is not as important or as needed anymore as we have come “so far.” I would disagree.

Pride celebrations should never be taken for granted. All gains can be quickly lost (especially in a polarising world). Further, you never know who may be listening and what their personal journey is. It may be the first time they have heard affirmative and positive language in this environment or from certain stakeholders. Pride month gives us an excellent opportunity and excuse to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion.

So this Pride Month, I encourage you to don your best Pride outfit, attend a talk (or drag bingo), or speak out in favour of inclusion because the impact on someone you don’t even know may be so much more than you think!

And finally, if getting a rainbow flag out makes the world a more inclusive and happier place, then that is something we should all be on board with!