June marks Pride Month, which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, and Raymond James has launched a new network of advisors that will champion those who identity as LGBTQ+. The group will serve advisors who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as those who seek to serve these clients. The group postponed its inaugural kickoff event, scheduled for this month, to 2021 due to COVID-19.
“A global pandemic and resulting travel restrictions may have postponed our inaugural in-person Business of Pride Symposium, but it has certainly not slowed our plans and efforts to help forge the future of finance through equal opportunity, fair representation and valuable service in support of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Marta Shen, financial advisor and co-chair of the Pride Financial Advisors Network.
Advisor Tom Hake also serves as national co-chair of the network, while other advisors make up its advisory council.
“Cultivating an inclusive environment where everyone’s perspectives and contributions are welcomed and valued is an extension of Raymond James’ culture,” said Scott Curtis, president of Raymond James’ Private Client Group, executive sponsor of the Pride Financial Advisors Network. “The Pride Financial Advisors Network, along with the Black Financial Advisors Network, the Women Financial Advisors Network and our associate-facing networks, has been integral in our mission to further diversity and inclusion within Raymond James and our profession.”
The network has worked on bringing formal programming and education to the firm, including unconscious bias training for leaders and associates. The group has also introduced resources to help advisors better serve LGBTQ+ clients. They will also hold networking events, such as the kickoff, next year.
The firm will fly the Pride flag at its corporate headquarters in St. Petersburg, Fla., in recognition of Pride Month.
