Hans Ola Hevrøy
Through a new partnership with Oslo Pride, Thommessen aims to contribute to a more inclusive society. – In our work with Thommessen so far, it has become clear that we share the same values, which are crucial when entering into partnerships. We are very pleased to have Thommessen on board, says Dan Bjørke, leader of Oslo Pride.
Oslo Pride promotes values that counteract discrimination, harassment, and persecution of LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, the organization contributes to highlighting LGBTQ+ perspectives in international human rights work. Thommessen becomes the first law firm among Oslo Pride's partners.
– First and foremost, it's incredibly exciting that we have the opportunity to work with the legal industry. For a long time, we have wanted to collaborate with the industry, and it's particularly rewarding that the leading firm in Norway has joined us as partners. Thommessen is one of the law firms that truly takes diversity and inclusion seriously and has a genuine ambition to work strategically on these issues, says Oslo Pride leader Dan Bjørke.
Oslo Pride has undergone significant development in recent years, and the organization is growing at a record pace with more and larger partners than ever before.
– The interest from society is undoubtedly increasing. It's reassuring and important to have steady support from Thommessen on this path we are now embarking on. Together, we will work to push society in a more inclusive direction, says Dan.
Dan Bjørke, leader of Oslo Pride (photo: Gaurav Madan/Oslo Pride).
Legal pro bono services
At Thommessen, diversity and inclusion have been actively addressed for several years. By establishing a Diversity and inclusion committee in 2022, internal initiatives related to diversity and inclusion have gained extra momentum.
– We actively work towards creating a workplace where discrimination is absent, allowing everyone to be their true selves. Through several diversity campaigns and activities in recent years, it has been fantastic to see the employee commitment to an inclusive work environment and how we all can contribute to creating the environment and culture we desire, says HR Manager Anne Bogen, who is also part of the Diversity and inclusion committee.
Now, Thommessen aims to contribute to diversity and inclusion matters beyond its own office walls. As a proud partner, Thommessen will provide legal pro bono services to Oslo Pride.
– Besides our commitment to diversity and inclusion within the workplace, we also aspire for our society to be a space where everyone feels free to be themselves and love whom they choose. Forming a partnership with Oslo Pride and applying our knowledge and expertise to support inclusion aligns well with our values, says Managing Partner Sverre Tyrhaug.
Fifty years since the first Pride event in Oslo
This year's Oslo Pride will be held from 21 June to 29 June. During the event, queer love and diversity are celebrated, with a focus on equal rights and human dignity. In 2024, it will be fifty years since the first Pride event in Oslo. At that time, a small group of people demonstrated at the University Square, initiating an annual tradition that would eventually be named "Pride."
– Since then, Pride has become an important event celebrated throughout Norway, where we together send a clear signal that everyone should feel a sense of belonging in society, regardless of who you are or who you love. The 50th anniversary will be the focus of this year's festival, and we celebrate and honor the pioneers' efforts. We are excited to celebrate this at our new Pride Park venue: Sofienbergparken, says Dan from Oslo Pride.
In celebration of the anniversary, Oslo Pride is also hosting a concert at the Oslo Opera House.
– In collaboration with the The Norwegian Radio Orchestra, we are opening this year's Oslo Pride with a grand concert at the Opera House on 19 June. We are greatly looking forward to this, says Dan.
Additionally, last year's successful Oslo Pride Business Forum will be repeated. This is a conference where diversity and inclusion in the workplace are discussed.
– We invite top executives, academics, diversity experts, and representatives from various minority organizations to contribute to a series of exciting conversations, debates, and lectures. We can already reveal that Laura Liswood, Secretary General of the Council of Women World Leaders and a leading expert in workplace diversity, will be joining us at the event, says Dan.
Corporate responsibility at Thommessen
At Thommessen, we support several ambitious CSR and pro bono initiatives. Knowledge is our key resource, and represents our main contribution to enabling NGOs to pursue their mission under optimum conditions. In addition, we provide financial support to several partners.
You can read more about Corporate responsibility at Thommessen here.