While June is Pride Month, no single month can fully encompass the celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community’s achievements and contributions, nor raise sufficient awareness and advocate for the challenges the community continues to face. This is especially the case given the diverse tapestry of human experiences, which the concept of intersectionality—recognising how different aspects of one’s identity, such as gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and religion, uniquely impact individuals—seeks to acknowledge.
As a queer first-generation immigrant from Hong Kong who moved to the UK as an 11-year-old, my coming out journey has traversed continents and has been rocked by cultural dissonance. Not only did I find myself grounded in an unfamiliar culture after a 13-hour flight, but I also had to navigate the complexities of understanding my sexual identity. This turbulent path to self-discovery has, however, undeniably shaped me into a better lawyer.
Like many ‘geriatric Gen Z’ individuals who were ‘in the closet’, my teenage years were spent on YouTube, watching videos of (predominantly) Americans sharing their uplifting coming-out stories. Their world seemed rosy, a place where acceptance and support were commonplace. Unfortunately, this is not the reality for many first-generation immigrants who were not born and raised in the liberal West, who have to face the internal conflict of potentially upsetting family members who have sacrificed so much in pursuit of a better life abroad. In Hong Kong, discussions about sexuality are still relatively taboo, which ironically for me (having moved to the UK), is considered by some to be a colonial import.
Coming out to my family was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It was not a single moment followed by hugs and rainbows, but a gradual process filled with difficult conversations and emotional ups and downs. I was weighed down by the aspiration to make my family proud, my desire for authenticity, and familial expectations. Thankfully, the rocky yet candid journey towards acceptance has been liberating and has empowered me to reconcile conflicting identities and take control of it.
Intersectionality acknowledges that experiences are not monolithic, and that each person has unique challenges and perspectives. Recognition of this is crucial during Pride Month as for many, coming out is just the start of an extremely challenging journey – not the final destination. Pride Month may simplify identities into letters, but it is essential to recognise the unique concerns and challenges faced by every individual, in order to begin to move towards a more inclusive and equitable society.
Recognising this is also vital for lawyers, as we must understand the diverse needs and viewpoints of our clients in order to help them effectively. While I have found it straightforward to be open about my identity with my legal colleagues, it is important to remember that the legal profession exists within a privileged and generally liberal bubble. To serve our clients and society at large, we must be aware of the wider context in which we operate.
My advice to aspiring LGBTQIA+ lawyers is to seek strength in individuality. Taking control of your identity and being authentic is more likely to lead to lasting fulfilment and success. The legal profession needs diverse views and voices to ensure we as a society are fairly represented. The moment you are driven to be someone else, we lose that individuality, and we are all the poorer for it. Additionally, while mentors and allies are invaluable in providing guidance, support and a sense of community, never forget that you alone, are in control of your own destiny.
My intersectional experiences have shaped who I am personally and professionally, and I carry my experiences with pride. The rocky road to acceptance has provided me with resilience and adaptability – traits which are invaluable in a career in law. My experiences are reminders of the challenges but also the resulting strength and empathy, which the human experience brings.
Santos Hau is an associate at Pinsent Masons
