Gay barristers
Being LGBT+ at the Bar
As a gay barrister-turned-academic and a gay solicitor-turned-academic, we couldn’t assist but notice that whilst there is a reasonably tough body of operate on diversity and inclusion in various sections of the legal profession, there is relatively small on LGBT+ lawyers.
In 2009, The Regulation Society published a report on the career experiences of lesbian, gay and bisexual solicitors (in conjunction with the InterLaw Diversity Forum), but we were unable to discover any work which spoke to the experiences of the LGBT+ Bar. This, we thought, was a gap worth filling. And so, a year ago, we decided to explore, empirically, how lesbian, gay, bi-curious, trans individuals and others on the LGBT+ spectrum life life as barristers or barristers to be.
In May 2016, we created and distributed an online survey aiming to gather data from the LGBT+ Block in four thematic areas: (i) the experiences of LGBT+ members of the Bar in the workplace; (ii) if (and how and where) barristers were ‘out’ at work; (iii) the potential connections between sexuality and practice; and (iv) the purpose of LGBT+ networks and role models. This survey had wide coverage, with links being se
BLAGG - Bar Woman loving woman and Gay Group
BLAGG’s remit
Since our appointment we include sought to expand the remit of BLAGG. We have a seat on the Equality and Diversity Committee of the Lock Counsel, we respond to Government’s consultations affecting our membership; most recently we have responded to the Judicial Diversity and Equivalent Civil Marriage consultations. For the last two years we have taken part in the Pride Rally whilst donning our wigs and gowns. We also hold a number of enjoyable social events each year.
Access to the Bar
An important aspect of BLAGG’s remit is to inspire applications from the LGBT community. How big is the community? In the recent survey, Barristers’ Operational Lives, 3% of male respondents stated that they were gay, 1% of women stated that they were gay/lesbian, and 2% of respondents said they were bisexual. This can be compared with the projected percentage of lgbtq+ people in the UK population which is around 6%. Of those 1-3%, it is unknown how many are open about their sexuality in chambers.
Is the 1-3% reliable or an under-estimate? In evidence the Judicial Appointments Commission has suggested that they intend to obtain statistics on sexual orientatio
“Can you be a Barrister and openly gay?”
I cringe to think I ever asked myself that scrutinize, let alone worried that the answer might be “no”. I know now, of course, that I was not alone; indeed, I suspect (sadly) that I am just one of a long line of gay law students who joined the Block with a similar anxiety. I sometimes look support at my very preliminary career and wonder how much of my consciousness of the profession was shaped from what I actually knew as opposed to my own self-constructed belief. In reality, it was likely a mixture. Certainly, I encountered homophobia; the memory of hearing a silk describe an openly gay junior as a “f*g” has stuck with me. The avoid of being ‘out’ in Chambers felt real: would I damage my prospects of obtaining tenancy?
But that was 2011. In the decade that has followed, the LGBTQ+ Bar has continued to make itself known within and outside of the profession. For me, it has been a real source of Pride to be deeply interested in the establishment of the Middle Temple Queer Forum and to watch rainbow flags flying above the Inns of Court; to take my boyfriend to Chambers’ events and introduce him to colleagues. With hindsight, my dread of being open in Chambers was enti
Since 2000, a wave of legislative change has transformed LGBT rights in England and Wales, granting LGBT individuals the right to adopt, change gender and, most recently, get married. These developments represented a major victory for those – including many LGBT lawyers – who'd campaigned tirelessly for a legal framework to protect and enhance LGBT people's lives.
As a result, the UK now has some of the best LGBT equality legislation in the nature. But changing people's attitudes and entrenched prejudices is a lengthy process: one that can be stimulated – but not fully altered – by legislative change. LGBT people still face challenges in their daily lives, and the workplace is a usual environment where issues may occur. So how is the legal profession doing when it comes to promoting LGBT equality?
This was the question pondered by a panel of LGBT lawyers at the Commandment Society's annual celebration of LGBT history month on 4 February 2016. The panel consisted of district judgeKeith Etherington, Daniel Gerring of Travers Smith, Daisy Reeves of Berwin Leighton Paisner, Clare Fielding from Gowling WLG and was chaired by former president of the Law SocietyLucy Scott-Moncrieff. Law Soci
I came out as gay after university when I was doing my commandment conversion course in 2003. I never hid the evidence I was lgbtq+ when I was in chambers, but nor was it something I talked much about, particularly in the first few years of tenancy. If I were starting out again today, I’d feel much more comfortable in creature more visible as a gay member of chambers.
My overall impression of the bar today is that it is a welcoming and supportive environment for gay barristers. My sense is that I started my career at around a time when there was a sea change in social attitudes more generally towards creature gay. But I appreciate that there is a spacious range of experiences – particularly for those starting out – and there can be no room for complacency.
The bar can perceive daunting and unknown territory to those who aren’t part of it. The bar can feel – and be – a particularly conservative institution and there can be a perception of “needing to fit in” for those coming into it. That’s why it’s particularly important to increase visibility and change perceptions of what life is like at the bar for those thinking of coming to the prevent or starting out.