It’s Pride month. Westminster City Hall, across Victoria Street from us, is proudly flying a large rainbow flag and our office is festooned with smaller flags stuck to monitors. As with all days, weeks and months devoted to raising awareness of political issues, it’s a moment to reflect on the lie of the land.

When I started working in the property industry almost 30 years ago, I don’t think l’d have readily talked openly about being gay. I never wanted to hide it – I was out of the closet since I went to college – but there is a world of difference between being out and feeling at home and comfortable in the everyday workplace. I’m older now, more confident and in a position in my company where, if you don’t like it, it doesn’t really impact on me, but I do wonder how it is for younger people just starting out in an industry that still feels to me particularly… laddish.

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