An IP Out event
Thursday 4 November 2021
7 – 8 pm + networking
This was our first hybrid IP Out event since the start of the pandemic, in which we heard from a panel of three speakers about issues facing LGBT+ people and individuals affected by disability, and the intersection between the two.
The panel
Jonathan Andrews
Jonathan is an associate in the Entertainment and Media team at Reed Smith. A co-founder and former co-chair of the London Bi Network, he is an advocate for bi- and wider inclusion in law and wider workplaces, serves on the Law Society’s Council and its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and is the youngest person ever to have served on the board of Stonewall. Jonathan is also open about being on the autistic spectrum and has been recognised for his achievements in widening access to the professions for disabled people, most notably being named as the UK’s fourth most influential disabled person by the Shaw Trust Power List last year.
Becky Campbell
Becky is an Associate and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney at Mewburn Ellis. Becky is passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion and uses her experiences as a disabled and neurodivergent bisexual woman to raise awareness and advocate for social progress. She is a member of IP Inclusive’s Advisory Board and also serves on the committee of IP Ability (IP Inclusive’s community for disabled people, carers and their allies).
Kerry Russell
Kerry is a Legal Director at Shakespeare Martineau, specialising in contentious IP. Kerry has been a champion for workplace inclusion for many years. In 2017 she set up her firm’s internal diversity network, which now has over 60 members, and which promotes awareness across all aspects of diversity. Kerry was also a founding member of Midlands Ability, a network set up to educate employers in the Midlands to improve access to workplace opportunities for disabled people. Kerry is a member of IP Ability and has presented on topics such as reasonable adjustments and invisible disabilities.
Moderator: Georgie Hart (Wiggin)
Venue
This was a “hybrid” event. The live part was kindly hosted by EIP at their offices at Fairfax House, 15 Fulwood Place, London, WC1V 6HU. Alternatively, people could attend online via Microsoft Teams.
Timings
The panel discussion started at 7 pm and lasted just over an hour, including a Q&A session with the in-person and virtual audiences. For those attending in person, registration commenced at 6.30 pm and there were networking drinks after the panel discussion finished.
Charity donations
At the point of registering for the event there was an opportunity to make a donation to our chosen charity, Regard, a national organisation of disabled lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) people, which aims to provide information/support to other LGBT+ disabled people, raise awareness of issues affecting them and combat social isolation. You can also donate directly here, if you prefer. All donations would be gratefully received.
Registration
This event was open to all UK-based IP professionals, including of course LGBT+ people and their allies – whatever their organisation, role or career level.
Cost
This event was free. So are all our resources. We think it’s important to keep IP Inclusive the right side of the paywall.
That said, we do need money to keep the show on the road, so if you enjoyed the event please consider contributing to our 2021-22 fundraising campaign. For individual ad hoc donations, our crowdfunding page is here. Or for more information – including for corporate sponsors – visit our general fundraising page here.