Gay Games and Out Leadership
Supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion in Asia through collaboration
Freshfields’ initiatives aimed at building a welcoming, positive and supportive environment have long included a focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion and we continue to evolve how we engage with communities and partner organisations globally and locally.
Freshfields was delighted to be one of the first law firms to sign up to the 2023 Hong Kong Gay Games and play an active role in encouraging other law firms to show their support.
The Gay Games Hong Kong 2023
Held every four years, the Gay Games (formerly the Gay Olympics) has since 1982 been promoting equality for all, and in particular for LGBTQ+ people throughout the world. 2023 was the first time an Asian city has hosted the event, welcoming nearly 2,400 athletes from 45 countries.
‘Corporates played a critical part in the success of Gay Games Hong Kong: over half the participants’ sign ups were accredited to the corporate sector which demonstrated their commitment to social responsibility and inclusion,’ says Gay Games HK Head of Corporate and International Outreach David Chai. ‘The Gay Games Hong Kong committee would like to express our deepest gratitude for Freshfields unwavering support. We truly appreciate your belief in our mission, your generosity, and your commitment to fostering a more inclusive society. Without partners like you, the success of Gay Games Hong Kong would not have been possible.’
Pride Month promotion filled all Freshfields’ 25 places for athletes, including Head of Asia Recruitment Trish Fong, who competed in running and dodgeball, and Hong Kong Managing Partner Matthew O’Callaghan who competed in rowing and had championed the Games from the start.
‘The games were not only great fun; they brought many of our colleagues together, building new connections across teams,’ Matt says.
Freshfields Senior Manager for Diversity and Responsible Business Amy Tye says: ‘Everyone showed what the Games’ motto “unity in diversity” is all about, that allyship matters in fighting against discrimination that many LGBTQ+ people still face.’
The Federation of Gay Games called the event a ‘huge step forward in building queer sports and culture communities in countries where identifying as a member of the LGBTIQA+ community often requires courage and defiance to come out, often at great personal risk.’
Out Leadership
Out Leadership harnesses the power of business to drive equality, convening, connecting and developing LGBTQ+ and ally leaders across the globe, including professional services firms and law firms.
As part of Freshfields’ global partnership with Out Leadership, Tokyo-based Partner Takeshi Nakao, one of the firm’s global executive sponsors for LGBTQ+ inclusion, joined Out Leadership's Asia Summit in Tokyo in October 2023, an event bringing together industry leaders, change-makers, and allies.
Takeshi focused on his personal story during a panel discussion, covering the power of coming out in the workplace, creating safe LGBTQ+ spaces at work and leaders’ role in supporting LGBTQ+ colleagues.
‘So many people are in the closet, so visibility is very important. As one of few ‘out’ senior lawyers in Japan, I want to be a role model for people,’ Takeshi says. ‘LGBTQ+ people are a minority in every country so support from allies helps change attitudes in society.’
Takeshi’s contribution was so well-received that a CEO invited him to speak at another event, where he encouraged people to find the confidence to be their authentic selves at work and to proactively support the LGBTQ+ community.
