“Inclusion makes the world of work so much better”
Graeme Moore, Partner at Clyde & Co Belfast, on what lies beneath his drive to set up a new chapter of Link in Northern Ireland, and how he hopes it will benefit the LGBTQ+ community.
Early in my career, there were very few role models for diversity and inclusion, and LGBTQ+ issues were effectively brushed under the carpet. I was worried that I had to conform to a defined stereotype and that if I didn’t fit in, I would be ‘found out’ and wouldn’t progress with my career.
Similarly, the insurance industry often suffers from being stereotyped as having a macho culture, a ‘boys’ club’ etc.
I have experienced homophobia in my career too. In a previous job, a manager made homophobic remarks about me to a client in the hope that he would get a competitive advantage over me. I was embarrassed and shocked. Thankfully, his behaviour backfired when he was called out by a colleague, to whom I am eternally grateful for his actions as an ally.
Why set up a Link chapter in Northern Ireland?
Over the years, in my work, I’ve been fortunate to meet many colleagues and clients who have been similarly supportive. As well as meeting so many from varied backgrounds, cultures and identities, which has made me realise that inclusion makes the world of work so much better. It is much easier to do a job when you respect the people you work with!
Having attended a number of Link events in London when I had the chance to visit over the years, I already knew about the Link network. I have been very impressed at how it created a safe space for LGBTQ+ members, as well as opportunities for networking across all reaches of the insurance industry.
Attitudes in NI have shifted
Northern Ireland has often lagged behind other regions in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. It was the last part of the UK where same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised; the last to liberalise blood donation policy for gay men; and, only after intervention by the UK Parliament, the last to allow same-sex marriage.
Not to mention a certain ‘gay cake’ legal case, which exposed the conservative culture which still remains prevalent in NI. It is easy to forget that we have much to celebrate in NI: as attitudes have shifted, we have a more tolerant society than ever before.
It is great to see how LGBTQ+ culture is celebrated annually with Pride marches in Belfast, Derry and other towns across the province on a grander scale year after year.
The vision? To create a safe space and foster confidence
I hope that the Link network here will enable LGBTQ+ colleagues to connect and support each other in a safe space.
The start of the journey will be to promote the Link network and to make ourselves known amongst members of the insurance industry – whether those who work for insurance companies, brokers, adjusters, claims handling firms, or lawyers like myself.
In due course, it would be great for the network to offer mentoring and support to colleagues, to increase confidence in those who join the network.
How to get involved
Don’t be afraid to take the plunge! We’d like to see as may colleagues as possible join us on this exciting journey.
If you’re interested, come along to Link Northern Ireland’s launch event on 26th November – details here.
