The opportunity allowed Nicholas Stewart to reflect on the firm’s LGBTQ+ advocacy commitments
Earlier this month, the second ACON Love Social event was held in Sydney to cater to LGBTQ+ elders. 2023 Australasian Law Awards Diversity Initiative of the Year winner Dowson Turco Lawyers was front and centre at the event, with partner Nicholas Stewart addressing the attendees with a powerful speech.
In the first part of this interview, Stewart talks to Australasian Lawyer about the “profound honour” of being asked to deliver an address at the event, what inspired DTL to participate in the event, and the lessons he learned from interacting with the LGBTQ+ elder community.
What led the firm to support the ACON Love Social event?
At Dowson Turco Lawyers, our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is deeply ingrained in our values and reflected in our ongoing partnership with ACON, including our involvement in the Love Project. We are very conscious that Australia’s ageing population needs more care, funding and support. We are also conscious that LGBTQ+ Australians are usually left behind but are now at the forefront of the government’s 10-year plan for aged care reform.
When we learned about the ACON LOVE Social event, we were thrilled to support it. This initiative provides essential support to LGBTQ+ elders, helping them lead healthier, more active, and socially connected lives—a demographic that has historically been overlooked. The focus on LGBTQ+ elders is crucial, as they are at higher risk of isolation and face unique challenges due to past experiences of violence and stigma. The LOVE Social event offers a vital platform for visibility and representation, ensuring that the needs of our older community members are acknowledged and addressed.
How did it feel to be asked to deliver an address at the event?
Being asked to deliver an address at the ACON LOVE Social event was a profound honour for me. It provided a unique opportunity to not only share DTL’s passion for protecting and enhancing the lives of the ageing LGBTQ+ community, but also to engage with the crowd in a meaningful way. The experience was both enlightening and rewarding. Speaking at the event allowed me to reflect on our firm’s ongoing commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy while also highlighting the specific challenges faced by LGBTQ+ elders.
Connecting with individuals from the ageing LGBTQ+ community and learning about their journeys underscored the importance of our collective efforts to ensure visibility, support, and respect for every member of our community, regardless of age. The event reinforced my belief in the critical role that support initiatives like LOVE Social play in fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
Why is working with the LGBTQ+ community so important to the firm?
At Dowson Turco Lawyers, our commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is deeply rooted in our identity as Australia's only out loud and proud LGBTQ+-operated law firm. We recognise the unique challenges and historical discrimination faced by members of the community, including barriers to accessing essential services, and navigating a complex justice system.
These issues can be compounded by factors such as age, cultural background, and other attributes. Our firm was established to address the specific legal needs of the LGBTQ+ community, filling a critical gap in the legal field. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community and having personally experienced discrimination, harassment, and vilification, I have a profound understanding of these challenges. These personal insights fuel our dedication to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where individuals from our community can seek legal advice without fear of judgement.
By championing these issues and advocating for our clients, we aim to make a meaningful impact and drive a positive change in the legal profession and beyond.
In the next part of this interview, Stewart shares how he got into law, and discusses notable LGBTQ+ cases he’s seen in his career.
