Introduction
If you can see it, you can be it. But sexual orientation and gender identity can often be invisible, so this publication aims to bring greater visibility to the wonderful, diverse, and successful LGBT+ community of those who work at and with the Bar along with a network of supportive allies.
The portraits and profiles in this book paint a picture of an industry that has come a long way and is now, for the most part, an inclusive and exciting environment for LGBT+ people. There is still plenty of work to be done, and FreeBar will continue to exist to bring people together and push for the change that is needed, but we believe that sharing stories and being visible will go a long way to ensuring that everyone who works at and with the Bar and those looking to join the profession can be accepted without exception. In the year that Pride in the UK celebrates its 50th anniversary, it has been a privilege to be able to collate the stories of so many inspiring people and we hope you find it an eye opening and enjoyable read.
Alex Southern, Alice Brighouse, Cameron Stocks, Joyce Arnold and Oscar Davies (on behalf of FreeBar)
July 2022
Acknowledgments
FreeBar would like to extend a huge thank you to the Commercial Bar Association and the Chancery Bar Association for their generous funding of this project, to everyone who volunteered to share their story, to Christopher Andreou for the fantastic photography and to GH Cityprint for the design and publishing. This project would not have been possible without your support.
