Baker Affinitas, the Firm's affinity group for LGBT interests, includes approximately 50 members, consisting of employees who identify as LGBT as well as straight allies. The purpose of Baker Affinitas is to bolster the inclusiveness of the Firm by focusing on the retention and recruitment of LGBT members and increasing the number of LGBT members in Firm leadership roles. The members of Baker Affinitas provide mentoring opportunities for LGBT members and advocate for LGBT issues within the Firm and the communities in the Firm's footprint. The Firm's support and involvement in Baker Affinitas includes sponsoring LGBT events in the communities in the Firm's footprint, as well as facilitating the establishment of an LGBT pro bono initiative.
In the past few months the Firm has sponsored or participated in a number of related events, including hosting the Human Rights Commission Annual Equality Dinner and Holiday Party events in Nashville; sponsoring Pride festivals in Memphis and Nashville; sponsoring and participating in the Lavender Law career fair; and sponsoring the Pro Bono Publico Awards (a program of the New Orleans/AIDS Task Force.)