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BWProud

BWProud represents the interests and needs of LGBTQ+ employees, allies, and supporters by sponsoring educational programming, organizing community service programs, and serving as a resource for support and mentoring.
 

What we do 

  • Two men and three women stand on either side of a large screen. They are smiling at the camera and are holding rainbow-colored Pride flags. The screen reads: “LGBTQ+ Economics: Challenging stereotypes to foster inclusion and strengthen workplace connectio

    Education and awareness

    Members of the BWProud network plan educational events to raise awareness of issues that impact members of the LGBTQ+ community both in and out of the workplace. During Pride Month, we held educational programming, including the "History of Pride" and "Celebrating Pride & Allyship: globally and locally."

  • A group of men and women standing together and smiling at the camera. A bookshelf is behind them. Some of the people are holding books; others are holding a sign labeled "smyal."

    Community involvement

    BWProud organizes fundraisers through the firm’s Community Connection program to support organizations and programs that empower members of the LGBTQ+ community, both in DC and worldwide. We have supported Rainbow Railroad, which helps at-risk LGBTQ+ individuals get to safety around the world; SMYAL, which supports LGBTQ+ youth in the DC metro area; and the Whitman Walker Foundation, which is working to end the HIV epidemic through research and community health education.

  • Three women and one man are seated behind a long table. They are holding rainbow-colored Pride flags and are smiling at the camera. Behind them is another long table, behind which additional people are seated.

    Networking and support

    Allies and members of the LGBTQ+ community come together to network and discuss relevant issues. The network hosts Snack & Chats, where participants discuss topics including intersectionality, language, and allyship. The group worked with HR to publish a resource guide detailing benefits and policies of interest to LGBTQ+ employees.

Voices of BWProud

  • We recognize and appreciate everyone’s unique perspectives and backgrounds

    “BWProud is one of the many examples of the firm’s commitment to equality and fairness. I appreciate that Bates White actively celebrates our LGBTQ+ community and am honored to work with open-minded and inclusive colleagues.”

    Taylor Duncan, Manager

  • A smiling young woman looks at the camera. The background is a wall covered in foliage.

    We support colleagues by understanding their challenges

    “Being part of the BWProud committee is inspiring and rewarding. I've enjoyed finding and helping to foster a sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ colleagues and allies. I'm proud to work at a firm that chooses to give visibility and support the experiences of our LGBTQ+ community.”

    Mona Dong, Consultant II

  • We strive to provide an environment where everyone belongs

    “Bates White is committed to an environment in which all employees feel not only included but that they belong. A sense of belonging requires that each person feels supported in being themself. As a firm leader and advisor to BWProud, I’m thrilled to be able to support our queer community.”

    Scott Weishaar, Managing Partner

Highlights

  • June 2025LGBTQ+ Economics

    BWProud presented an educational program on challenging stereotypes to foster inclusion and strengthen workplace connections.

    Three men and one woman stand to the sides of a screen, smiling at the camera. They are holding rainbow colored Pride flags. The screen is titled “LGBTQ+ Economics: Challenging stereotypes to foster inclusion and strengthen workplace connections.”
  • June 2025Celebrating Pride

    BWProud held an educational program and raised money for SMYAL, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ youth.

    A group of men and women stand together smiling at the camera; several of them are holding rainbow-colored Pride flags.
  • May 2024Supporting the LGBTQ+ community

    Colleagues volunteered in SMYAL's youth center lending library.

    A young smiling woman stands next to a large pile of books. She is holding book labels in one hand and a book titled "We Are Totally Normal" in the other.

Find out more about Bates White's other DEI&B programs

Grow your career at Bates White

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