Agents urged to show their pride on LGBT issues...

Better LGBT representation is needed among property professionals, both in the workplace and in marketing, campaigners claim.

LGBT property networking group Freehold said large agency brands such as Foxtons, Marsh and Parsons and Strutt and Parker provide good examples that smaller brands can learn from, but there is more work to do.

It comes as some agency brands have been taking part in Pride Month during June.

Brands such as Knight Frank have added the rainbow flag colours to its logo while Strutt and Parker is sponsoring Canterbury Pride.

Several large agents such as Foxtons, JLL and Savills are signed up to the Stonewall Diversity Champions scheme, which commits to LGBT inclusiveness in the workplace.

These may seem like small actions but Kelly Canterford, co-chair of Freehold, said these actions can make a more welcoming workplace for someone worried about discussing their identity at work.

She said: “You can never underestimate the power of a role model.

“That is integral to many of the things we see and do.

“It goes back to trying to assimilate yourself into an organisation to fit in as quickly as you can.”

She said it may be natural for someone to hide part of their identity to fit in, but they shouldn’t feel they have to.

Freehold said visual acceptance is important so property professionals and their clients, including buyers and sellers, see that people like them are welcome.

Canterford highlighted that Marsh & Parsons and Strutt & Parker have had same-sex couples in their adverts and said Foxtons is in the process of listing buildings as LGBT safe spaces.

She added: “It is not just about what works in the office but how clients are represented.”

Canterford also praised Foxtons, which trains staff on trans issues when it comes to anti-money laundering (AML) checks.

She said: “Foxtons has introduced trans policies concerning anti-money laundering to ensure trans customers aren’t discriminated against because their ID doesn’t match their chosen name.”

Foxtons has been asked for comment.

Tim Barnett, chief executive of AML platform Credas Technologies, added: “AML legislation requires proof of identity and so this can be challenging for those transitioning and the size of this challenge depends on what stage of their transition they have reached.

“The good news is that anyone who is either transitioning, or has already transitioned, can be legally recognised if their identity doesn’t match their official documents. This can be done by providing their Gender Reassignment Certificate and a deed-poll to confirm their change of name.

“However, it’s important to note that those in the early stages of transitioning, who may identify differently but are yet to receive legal recognition, won’t be able to provide such evidence.”