Glen speaks to Tahn Sharpe from Professional Planner about how advisers should be taking the opportunity to celebrate their inclusivity and review the way they interact with their LGBTI clients. Glen and Jess believe advice firms don’t need to be explicit in their support for the LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex) community, but would be well-served by conveying an inclusive outlook.
“You don’t have to say that you want to work with LGBTI people on the homepage of your website,” Glen says, “but make sure that someone who was part of that community would know that you work with anybody, regardless of their orientation or background.”
“The way we position our business is to ensure that we’re inclusive of everybody in the community regardless of gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity,” he explains. “Financial advice is personal and people want to ensure that they’re coming through a non-judgemental environment.”
The inclusivity issue is one Glen says extends to staff and clients. He works extensively with Out for Australia – a group whose mission is to provide role models and mentors for “aspiring LGBTI professionals” – and wants to encourage people to feel confident in bringing their “whole selves” to work.