Bridging generations: IaMProud advocates for LGBTQ+ elders with charitable initiatives 

Visibility and Authenticity – these two concepts became the overarching themes for BNP Paribas Asset Mangement’s (Legacy AXA IM) LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group – IaMProud, currently led by Robert Neiffer and Kyle Woolley in New York and Marcus Zeppone in Paris. The mission statement of IaMProud is that everyone, regardless of their sexuality and gender identity can bring their whole selves to work.

This mission is dependent on an intersectional approach, to ensure that as many nuanced voices and experiences within the LGBTQ+ community are heard and not forgotten. In 2024, IaMProud have had a particular focus on the intersection of LGBTQ+ and age – to not forget and to support the LGBTQ+ generation that has paved the way for the current generation of LGBTQ+ individuals.

The firm and IaMProud have this year supported two charities. SAGE based in the US, that supports LGBTQ+ elders, particularly in regard to housing, meal services and educational resources. And La Maison de la Diversité, a French project aimed at supporting vulnerable LGBTQ+ elders with housing. Both of these organisations do a tremendous job in supporting and advocating for our LGBTQ+ elders.

In May 2024, the LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group at BNP Paribas Asset Management (Legacy AXA IM) organised a meal service at an LGBTQ+ elders centre in New York, managed by SAGE, to mark International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT). The participants included employees from the firm, and members of our global Management Board. As part of this engagement, the firm made a donation to SAGE and SAGE also hosted a global webinar at BNP Paribas Asset Management (Legacy AXA IM) on the topic of LGBTQ+ senior housing.

“The visit served as a meaningful reminder of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ elders, who are twice as likely to be single and to live alone, and four times more likely to be childless. These elders lie at the intersection of the struggles faced by both the LGBTQ+ community and elders. We are immensely grateful to these trailblazers for their courage and resilience, which have paved the way for the current generation of LGBTQ+ individuals. Their stories and experiences are a powerful testament to the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead.” – Amit Singh, Head of Inclusion, Diversity & Engagement, BNP Paribas Asset Management (Legacy AXA IM)

In parallel with these efforts, The firm has provided targeted professional support initiatives to La Maison de la Diversité – facilitating specialized real estate coaching sessions to help LGBTQ+ elders navigate housing challenges, while also organizing ongoing legal support services. These practical interventions reflect our commitment to delivering tangible assistance that addresses the specific needs of LGBTQ+ seniors in France, complementing our global efforts to support this vulnerable community.

In 2025, IaMProud will continue their work to ensure that intersectionality is at the core of their work, amplifying and supporting as many varied experiences within the LGBTQ community as possible.