Lord Mayor of London: Homophobia still exists in the City and is bad for business
The Lord Mayor of London is due to host a Pride in London dinner this evening, and will note that homophobia is still prevalent in the City, but that diversity must be accepted if businesses are to thrive.
Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Fiona Woolf will host the dinner this evening at Mansion House, and will use her keynote speech to address the issue of homophobia in the city.
She will make a “clear statement of intent” from the City of London Corporation, and the Corporation’s first LGBT network about addressing “macho attitudes” in the City.
“The homophobia and prejudice that was true of London in the 1980s is, I am sorry to say, still too frequently true now… Our responsibility is to capture the benefits of diversity for the City and for business – but also to ensure that respect for difference is embedded in communities right across London. The business case is clear.”
The dinner for 350 guests kicks off Pride In London celebrations. Pride in London will take place this Saturday, 28 June, and Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst will headline.
36 firms have signed up to the City of London’s Power of Diversity Programme.
A rainbow flag is being flown above the Cabinet office in celebration of Pride.
