Firm

UNCOMMON CULTURE

BT Pride: Barnes & Thornburg's talent resource group for our LGBTQ teammates and allies

BTPride provides connection, support and advocacy for our LGBTQ+ teammates and allies. We want to ensure that Barnes & Thornburg is a place where all of our talent feels comfortable bringing their whole, authentic selves to work.

A safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all

We share our experiences and advocate for our members to help make their paths through life – both at work and at home – easier and better.

BTPride exists to make space for these conversations and let our members know that they aren’t alone, and we’re here to help however we can.

No matter your role or work assignment, and no matter if you have been out for 20-plus years or are nervous about being out at work, you will find a home at Barnes & Thornburg, and a group of people who will advocate for you and want to see you succeed. We are a place that truly believes our diversity makes us better and stronger.

Advocacy and education, inside the firm and out

BTPride advocates for supportive firm policies and raises issues of concern with firm management when necessary. We also host programs to promote inclusion through education, and help organize community engagement and service to support the larger LGBTQ+ community.

Brian Jarman, BTPride chair, shared that he was particularly proud to see well over 50 teammates, family and friends march in Indianapolis’ 2019 Indy Pride Parade.
“This was the first time so many gathered together to demonstrate the firm’s support of the LGBTQ+ community. This visible, public engagement of so many in support of the community helped give BTPride momentum and energy,” Brian said.

A few of our programs and community conversations:

How to support transgender and non-binary individuals in the workplace
Barnes & Thornburg teammates sharing their coming out journeys
Parents of LGBTQ+ individuals sharing their experiences

To see so many people willing to share, learn and be open to hearing about another person’s experience is very meaningful and we are proud that we are able to provide a forum for those conversations.

For information regarding BTPride, please contact co-chairs Brian Jarman, Heather Mink and Jessica Baniamin.