Gowling WLG supports International Day of Pink

13 April 2016

Photograph of a large number of Gowling WLG employees wearing pink for International Day of Pink

Across Canada, the U.K. and around the world, Gowling WLG staff and professionals are gathering today to show their support for the International Day of Pink. Whether it's shirts, ties, socks, hats or skirts, firm members are proudly wearing pink to celebrate diversity and stand together against homophobic and transphobic bullying.

To mark the event, Gowling WLG will be making charitable donations to the Canadian Centre for Gender and Sexual Diversity, and Diversity Role Models - a U.K.-based LGBT charity. In addition, activities such as diversity and inclusion workshops on LGBT terminology and how to be an ally in the workplace, bake sales, message boards and forums for sharing anti-bullying tips and Day of Pink thoughts are also being held across the firm.

The International Day of Pink began in Canada in 2007 when two high school students from Nova Scotia witnessed a gay classmate - who was wearing a pink shirt - being bullied for his outfit and his sexual orientation. David Shepherd and Travis Price decided to purchase pink shirts and, a few days later, encouraged everyone else at their school to wear pink in solidarity. Shepherd and Price sparked an important conversation that day, and proved that by standing together we can challenge prejudice and put a stop to bullying.

Since then, the Day of Pink has become an international event inspiring schools, workplaces, communities and governments around the world to take a stand against bullying, discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and transmisogny. Each year, on the second Wednesday of April, millions of people wear pink as a symbol of their shared belief in diversity and acceptance.

About Gowling WLG

Gowling WLG is a new international law firm created by the combination of Gowlings, a leading Canadian law firm, and Wragge Lawrence Graham & Co (WLG), a leading U.K.-based international law firm. With more than 1,500 legal professionals in 18 cities worldwide, we provide our clients with in-depth expertise in key global sectors and a suite of legal services at home and abroad.

We're proud to be recognized as a top employer, and actively encourage diversity and inclusion in our workplaces. Not only does this allow us to attract and retain the best talent, it also helps us attract and retain great clients, who know that motivated and engaged people produce higher quality work, approach problems with creativity and ingenuity, and will go the distance to help them succeed.