On December 3, 2021, the DE&I Committee hosted a virtual book club discussion on Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza by Gloria E. Anzaldúa. During the intimate conversation, we discussed major themes of the semi-autobiographical book and how we can apply these principles to the current IP workplace. The themes of code-switching, gender identity, and negotiating seemingly competing identities – such as being a lesbian and a spiritual Catholic – were central to the conversation.
Attendees also referred to a previous IPLAC event (June’s Pride Panel hosted by the DE&I Committee), during which we discussed how coming out in the workplace has evolved from an avoided topic to law firms intentionally creating LGBTQ+ affinity groups. As a takeaway, the group agreed that in the IP workplace, allies should continue to champion institutional changes that allow professionals with non-heteronormative identities to flourish.