On 7 March 2023, Thomson Reuters Pride at Work celebrated the ANZ Pride season, including Sydney World Pride, by holding a virtual ‘Pride Chat’ in conversation with the Honorable Michael Kirby AC CMG (he/him) and Pinnacle Foundation scholar, Sam Jenkins (he/him).

Hosted by Thomson Reuters Pride at Work Co-Chair, Amila Perera, the conversation touched on topics such as: the history and changing landscape of LGBTQ+ rights and advocacy, the importance of education and human rights in empowering LGBTQ+ communities, and the diverse ways in which we celebrate Pride.

Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG (he/him)

When he retired from the High Court of Australia in 2009, Michael Kirby was Australia’s longest serving judge. A hero to all in the LGBTQ+ community, he is a strong advocate for human rights, including for women, young people and sexual minorities.

Mr Kirby has served as a Commissioner of the UNDP Global Commission on HIV and the Law and was Chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights Violations in North Korea.

Michael Kirby was the first Patron of the Pinnacle Foundation.

Sam Jenkins (he/him)

Sam Jenkins holds the Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG Pinnacle Scholarship. He is completing a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) and a Bachelor of Social Science at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Outside of his studies, he is a passionate theatre maker and performer.

He aspires to use his law and social science studies in a career where he can represent and fight for the rights of minorities, particularly the suppressed voices of the LGBTIQ+ community.