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Herbert Smith Freehills is proud to have once again supported Brisbane’s MELT Festival, an annual celebration of queer arts and culture presented by the Brisbane Powerhouse. The firm has successfully partnered with MELT since the festival was launched in 2016.

The 2019 MELT Festival, which ran from 27 June to until 7 July, featured a range of theatre, comedy, art, film, live music and conversation events.

As part of the partnership, Herbert Smith Freehills will be treating clients to a private viewing of the musical, ‘Yank! A WWII Love Story’ by Brisbane’s Understudy Productions.

Herbert Smith Freehills partner and Brisbane LGBTI champion Peter Smith said the firm was pleased to again support the Festival.

“It’s been a privilege to continue our long term partnership with MELT. It’s a fantastic, important and entertaining celebration of the diverse LGBTI community in Brisbane,” Mr Smith said.

Herbert Smith Freehills has a longstanding commitment to diversity and a proud history of supporting the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Melbourne Queer Film Festival, Pride WA and its PrideFEST. The firm is also a sponsor of the Brisbane chapter of Interfirm, a professional network for LGBTIQ+ professionals and allies.

In 2018 the firm was one of 13 leading employers commended by LGBT charity Stonewall for work to create inclusive workplaces worldwide. The firm’s global LGBTI Network, the IRIS Network, has existed since 2013. IRIS stands for Inclusion, Respecting Identity and Sexuality and is a nod to the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris. The network supports LGBTI inclusion across Herbert Smith Freehills’ international offices and is open to all LGBTI partners and staff, and their allies.

“LGBTI inclusion is at the heart of the firm’s commitment to ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace. We aim to create an environment which values diversity and enables people to bring their authentic selves to work.” Mr Smith explained.