30 January 2025 – 6th anniversary celebration of the launch of LDIA
🌈 Celebrating 6 Years of LDIA and Promoting LGBTQIA+ Equality 🌈
We are thrilled to share the success of our 𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗔 on January 30th. This special evening was dedicated to celebrating DEI and fundamental LGBQTIA+ human rights in the European Union and an inclusive legal sector.
Our event was inspired by a recent EU report on LGBTQIA+ Equality, which highlighted that acceptance is at a critical point within the 27-country bloc. While progress has been made in many areas, significant challenges remain, particularly concerning the bullying of LGBTQIA+ students. The report revealed that in Belgium and the Netherlands, traditionally leaders in LGBTQIA+ rights, over 60% of LGBTQIA+ students have faced ridicule, teasing, insults, or threats – an alarming increase compared to a 2019 poll.
As the legal industry hires many students each year, our seminar and networking event aimed to: (i) Celebrate diversity and inclusion; (ii) Raise awareness of ongoing challenges; (iii) Show our relentless support for LGBTQIA+ students; and (iv) Identify concrete, urgent actions for change.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bird & Bird and 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 for spearheading the organization of this impactful event. We are deeply thankful to our inspiring panel members for sharing their invaluable insights, and to our moderators, Hein Hobbelen and Chris Noordam, for their exceptional contributions.
Our appreciation also goes out to all 𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗔 members for their unwavering dedication to fostering a safe and supportive environment for everyone. And of course, a big thank you to our enthusiastic audience.
The evening featured inspiring contributions from:
🎭 Live Your Story, whose actors vividly brought to life the importance of creating an inclusive and empathetic society through theater and storytelling.
🎶 Talented musicians from the Brussels Conservatoire, adding a creative music and theatre vibe to the event.
Our Chair, Kathleen M. (Kat) Van Nuffel, concluded the evening with a powerful reminder that DEI is here to stay. We will continue to advocate for equality and strive towards a future where everyone can live authentically and without fear.
See photos below (Photographer Maximuz)
Previous years:
