Rebecca Mason | Accredited
I started working in the London Market in the late 80s, the time of Thatcher, Yuppies and Stock Aitken Waterman. The Lloyd’s Building had recently opened, and its unique glass and steel design promised a future of opportunity. Opportunity if you were white, cis, straight and male. If you were not, well, things were different. Fast forward 30 plus years and the Market has evolved beyond the recognition of those white, cis, straight, yuppie men. Not only have multiple glass and steel edifices risen to all but obliterate views of Lloyd’s from the London skyline, but a walk along Fenchurch Street will reveal a sea of diversity, people of colour, people with different sexualities and of course, far more women; women who now hold positions of responsibility and authority undreamt of back in the 80s.
As one of the first trans women in the Market, I have seen a revolution in attitudes.
And, yes, there is me as well. As one of the first trans women in the Market, I have seen a revolution in attitudes. From a time where trans people were the subject of scorn and ridicule in the workplace, to a time where we are encouraged to be visible. I hold a senior role in my business as Global Co-Head of Wordings, which would have been an unobtainable goal for a woman 30 years ago, or a decade ago for a trans woman. That is not to say there is not more to be done for women. The glass ceiling is still there, but it is cracking. I am hoping women of the next generation, like my protégé, will smash it to pieces.
