When I was first approached to write this article, I was somewhat apprehensive. Why? Through a perhaps historic fear that this could negatively impact my practice, which I have come to learn is just that: historic fear.
However, that fear was the exact reason I decided to write this article: because other LGBT+ lawyers need to see that there are many LGBT+ working people across the legal sector.
I first ‘came out’ when I was 18, shortly after leaving sixth form. I was always fearful very worried about being bullied at school for being gay, and, in fact, I was. I felt different, which meant I spent a lot longer studying than spending time with other people at my school. Some might say that gave me the desire to achieve. It felt like I didn’t fit in.
It wasn’t until I moved to London for university that I realised being gay didn’t make me different and it didn’t define me. Through friends and tutors, I realised that LGBT+ people are in all walks of life, including the legal profession. However, when I started the GDL and then the bar course, it felt like I was the only openly LGBT+ person in my studying groups and I started to feel like maybe people in the law shouldn’t be gay, and I felt that I couldn’t be me anymore. That fear had crept in again.
When I moved to No.5 chambers and started to interact with other openly LGBT+ members and clerks, it was the first time that I felt that I truly did belong in the law – there were people just like me. It was so wonderful to see so many barristers, both LGBT+ and allies, taking part in Birmingham pride a few weeks ago. This was the first time in many years that I felt this “fear” disappear and I could be me and a barrister.
Of course, it is much easier to remember bad experiences than good ones. I have met many people on my journey to becoming a barrister and becoming a tenant here at No.5 who have been very supportive of not only me, but also LGBT+ rights. I try to remember every single good experience when I feel this fear creeping back in. The bottom line is, being gay does not stop me from being a good barrister. In fact, it does not matter at all and embracing it only makes me stronger.
However, now more than ever, we need to make sure LGBT+ people are supported in the law. We do not want other lawyers and aspiring lawyers to have that fear that I did. It is not fair or right. This is a profession where everyone should feel included regardless of gender, sexuality, race or colour. Let’s just make sure that we all do what we can to support one another. After all, one of our core duties as a barrister is not to discriminate.
Therefore, my journey to the bar did not matter on whether I was LGBT+. My journey has always been about me and discovering the talents I have which help me to represent my clients the best I can. However, I still felt throughout my journey that being gay was something I should hide from clients and solicitors. That isn’t the case at all, and I encourage everyone to make sure that no one in our profession, or any profession, should feel they have to hide who they are. No lawyer should feel fear for being themselves. After all, one famous person did say: ‘we are all born this way’.
