01 June 2021

Lawyers virtually celebrate #LegalPride2021

The legal professions of England and Wales – solicitors, barristers and CILEX lawyers – will again mark Pride virtually, with an ‘Untold Pride’ theme. 

The Law Society of England and Wales, the Bar Council of England and Wales and CILEX (The Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) will encourage their members to tell their stories – to highlight the experiences of LGBT+ lawyers across the country. 

We are particularly keen to hear previously untold stories from all parts of the LGBT+ community. We will share stories under the banner of #LegalPride2021. 

Members of the professions are encouraged to show support to those sharing stories by re-tweeting using the hashtag #LegalPride2021 and #EqualUnderTheLaw.

President of the Law Society of England and Wales, I. Stephanie Boyce, said: “We are proud to advocate for LGBT+ rights in the legal profession and in wider society – and this year, we will again virtually mark the Pride season, celebrating ‘Untold Pride.’ 

“’Untold Pride’ will showcase stories from legal professions that are rarely told and will provide different perspectives from the LGBT+ community. The experiences may focus on intersectionality, diverse experiences of coming out or having gay parents.” 

The theme crosses over with the Law Society’s LGBT+ survey* – which will be released in July – and found that the majority of LGBT+ respondents felt able to be themselves in the workplace – either always (53%) or sometimes (41%). 91% had colleagues who were not LGBT+ themselves, but were supportive and active allies for LGBT+ equality in their workplaces. 

However, there is still work to be done. A quarter of LGBT+ respondents had experienced homophobia, biphobia or transphobia in the workplace – with the majority not reporting incidents, either feeling it was not serious enough to report formally, or lacking confidence that it would be resolved effectively. 

I. Stephanie Boyce added: “Now more than ever, we must continue to take a stand. Around the world, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on LGBT+ communities. 

“It is vital to show the public that the legal profession will constantly and unequivocally support LGBT+ people and their rights.” 

Chair of the Bar Council of England and Wales, Derek Sweeting QC said: “The LGBT+ legal community plays an integral role in ensuring an inclusive and accessible justice system, and the Bar Council is honoured to participate in this year’s virtual Pride. Its focus on sharing untold experiences of LGBT+ lawyers from around England and Wales offers a vital chance to highlight the different stories of our LGBT+ colleagues, as well as allowing us to reaffirm our commitment to supporting LGBT+ rights across the world.” 

CILEX President Craig Tickner said: “CILEX has long championed diversity in the legal sector and we are proud to be joining with the wider profession in celebrating this year’s Legal Pride. 

“We want to hear from our members, to share their different perspectives on life as LGBT + lawyers and shine a light on their experiences. 

“There is still work to be done in combatting discrimination in the profession and in wider society. We want to send a clear message that we are all equal under the law and that we are an open and accepting profession, dedicated to upholding the rights of the LGBT+ community.”