On Wednesday 19 July 2017, Matrix Chambers hosted a roundtable, in association with FreeBar and Stonewall, to mark the recent 50 year anniversary since the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales. The discussion considered personal experiences of what has changed at the Bar in the last 50 years, our achievements in LGBT+ equality in that time, and – most importantly – focused on what more we can do to address discrimination, stigma and inequality at the Bar for the LGBT+ community. Martin Bowley QC, S Chelvan (No. 5 Chambers), and Bex Stinson (Head of Trans inclusion, Stonewall) spoke at the event. It was chaired by Brie Stevens-Hoare QC (Gatehouse Chambers).

It was a fantastic and inspiring event that brought supporters of Stonewall, FreeBar and others from our sector together to network and discuss these issues, as well as spreading the word about our work to some new people. Thank you to everyone who came to the event, it was a great success.