"Advocacy and allyship" are the two key ways in which the profession can support the community
For Nicholas Stewart, supporting the LGBTQ+ community doesn’t have to be about big, grand gestures – it’s in the “small, consistent changes in behaviour”.
To better support the community, he believes that the profession needs to start off by understanding LGBTQ+ oppression and discrimination in the context of history. In the final part of this interview, Stewart shares what advocacy and allyship means to him, and why Dowson Turco is paying particular attention to the needs of the transgender community.
How in your opinion can the legal profession better support the LGBTQ+ community in its capacity?
To effectively support the LGBTQ+ community, legal professionals must first understand the historical context of its oppression and discrimination. Significant progress in legal rights have been relatively recent, including the decriminalisation of homosexuality in NSW in 1984 and the legalisation of same-sex marriage in 2017. Legal professionals can support the LGBTQ+ community by directing their focus on two main areas: advocacy and allyship. Addressing these aspects are imperative for aligning with both historical awareness and current needs.
Advocacy should include meaningful actions like incorporating pronouns in professional settings. Small, consistent changes in behaviour can significantly impact how welcoming a firm feels to LGBTQ+ clients and employees.
Allyship involves actively supporting LGBTQ+ people and standing against discrimination within and outside the workplace. Legal professionals should be advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and actively work to combat prejudice. This support extends beyond mere symbols and requires a genuine commitment to creating an inclusive environment.
What upcoming events/initiatives will the firm be looking to support in the coming year?
In the coming year, Dowson Turco Lawyers is committed to maintaining our support and sponsorship for ACON and the Love Project, as well as supporting LGBTIQ+ scholarship charity the Pinnacle Foundation. Our commitment extends to advancing the rights and well-being of all members of the LGBTQ+ community, with a particular focus on those who face the greatest challenges.
We are especially attentive to the needs of the transgender community, who are disproportionately affected by violence, discrimination, and vilification. Transgender individuals often encounter severe barriers in accessing healthcare, legal protection, and social acceptance. They are also at higher risk of physical violence, psychological harm, and systemic inequities. Addressing these safety concerns, particularly for trans individuals in public spaces, is paramount.
Our firm recognises the urgent need to address these disparities and advocate for policies and practices that ensure the safety and dignity of transgender individuals. We are dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote inclusion, raise awareness, and provide tangible support to those facing these unique challenges. By collaborating on initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and ensuring safer environments, we aim to contribute to a more equitable and supportive environment for all LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly those who are most vulnerable.
