On Friday 6 July 2018, for the first time in ICAEW's history, the rainbow flag was proudly flown outside Chartered Accountants' Hall as a symbol of solidarity with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members and employees for Pride in London, which was taking place the following day.

The annual LGBT+ pride festival and parade has been held in the capital each summer since the first official UK Gay Pride Rally held in London on 1 July 1972, as a celebration of the achievements of LGBT+ rights.

As a worldwide organisation, by flying the flag at its Head Office, ICAEW was both celebrating the diversity of our own community, but also showing solidarity to those who still need support. 62% of LGBTQ+ graduates who are already out to friends and family go back into the closet once they enter the job market.

2018 marks 40 years since the design of the Rainbow flag was adopted by the LGBT+ community, representing the diversity of men and women around the world. As the community has diversified in recent years trans, non-binary and asexual communities are now also acknowledged and recognised.

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