Celebrate LGBT+ Activism & Legal Change with Biscoes

LGBT+ History Month: Join Biscoes in Celebrating Activism and Social Change in the Legal Landscape

Saturday, 1st February 2025, marks the start of LGBT+ History Month, and this year, the theme is ‘Activism and Social Change’. The month of February was chosen to celebrate LGBT+ history as it coincides with the abolition of Section 28 in 2003. Section 28 was a policy that prohibited the ‘promotion of homosexuality’.

This is perhaps an opportunity for those of us working in the legal profession to reflect on the fact that, while something may be enshrined in law, it does not necessarily make it morally or ethically ‘right’. It also serves as a reminder of the privileged position we hold in occasionally being able to help bring about change from within the hallowed halls of the law.

LGBT+ History Month offers an opportunity for us all to reflect on the progress made in securing rights for LGBT+ individuals, while recognising the struggles and challenges that persist.

For legal professionals in the UK, this month serves as both a celebration of the legal victories achieved by the LGBT+ community and a reminder of the ongoing need for advocacy, support, and meaningful change from those of us who consider ourselves allies. It is also a reminder that allyship goes beyond words—it requires activism and genuine efforts to drive change.

At Biscoes, we are proud allies of the LGBT+ community and remain committed to supporting equality and inclusion.

The Roots of LGBT+ Activism

LGBT+ activism in the UK has a long history, deeply intertwined with the global fight for equality. The roots of LGBT+ social movements can be traced back to the early 20th century, but the most significant shifts occurred during the post-war period. For decades, LGBT+ individuals in the UK faced legal discrimination, social exclusion, and widespread prejudice.

One of the landmark moments in British LGBT+ history was the decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales with the Sexual Offences Act 1967. This was a direct result of decades of activism by individuals and organisations pushing for legal recognition of LGBT+ rights. As the LGBT+ rights movement gained momentum in the 1970s and beyond, activists advocated for reforms in areas such as employment, health care, and marriage, fighting tirelessly to end discriminatory practices.

Solicitors have played a crucial role in these struggles, providing legal expertise to LGBT+ individuals and organisations, challenging discriminatory laws, and advocating for legislative reforms. Legal battles like those involving the right to marry, the adoption of children, and anti-discrimination protections have become key milestones in the advancement of LGBT+ rights.

We have come far, but there is still some way to go.

How far have we come?

Here in England and Wales, we have made progress in securing rights for the LGBT+ community, and the legal profession has been a fundamental part of that journey. Some of the major milestones include:

• Decriminalisation

The Sexual Offences Act 1967 decriminalised homosexual acts in private between two men in England and Wales. Similar legislation was passed in Scotland in 1980 and Northern Ireland in 1982. 

• Age of consent

The age of consent was lowered to 16 for both homosexual and heterosexual acts in 2001. 

• Civil partnerships

The Civil Partnership Act 2004 granted same-sex couples the same rights and responsibilities as married couples. 

• Gender recognition

The Gender Recognition Act 2005 allowed trans people to change their legal gender and acquire a new birth certificate. 

• Same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriage was legalised in England and Wales in 2014, Scotland in 2014, and Northern Ireland in 2020. 

• Ban on serving in the armed forces

The ban on LGBT individuals serving openly in the armed forces was officially lifted in 2016. 

• Support for non-binary gender option

In 2023, there was support for adding a non-binary gender option to government-issued documents. 

• The Equal Pay Act 1970 & Employment Rights: Anti-discrimination laws have gradually expanded to protect LGBT+ individuals in the workplace. Significant cases have ensured that employees cannot be dismissed for their sexual orientation or gender identity.

These legal victories were made possible through the dedication of activists and the work of legal representatives, who advocated for legislative change and defended the rights of LGBT+ individuals in court. These cases, and many others, laid the foundation for an evolving legal framework that continues to be a driving force for equality.

What’s left to do?

Despite these landmark legal advances, the fight for LGBT+ rights is far from over. Many challenges remain, particularly for the transgender and non-binary communities, who continue to face barriers in accessing healthcare, legal recognition, and protection from discrimination. Hate crimes and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity are still prevalent, and societal attitudes, while improving, can still be entrenched in areas such as education, employment, and public services.

Legal representatives play a vital role in this ongoing struggle by:

• Advocating for Legal Reforms: We can help push for new laws that address the current gaps in LGBT+ rights, especially in relation to non-binary gender recognition, healthcare access, and employment protections.
• Representing Clients in Court: Legal professionals continue to represent LGBT+ individuals who face discrimination, harassment, and violence, ensuring their rights are upheld in the judicial system.
• Supporting Mental Health and Wellbeing: Many LGBT+ individuals face mental health challenges due to societal discrimination. Solicitors can refer clients to support services and assist in legal matters relating to healthcare rights and access.
• Promoting Workplace Diversity: Legal experts help employers create inclusive policies that protect LGBT+ workers and prevent workplace discrimination, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

Representation in the Legal Profession

LGBTQ+ representation in the UK legal profession is growing, but there is still work to be done: 

• Sexual orientation

In 2023, 2.6% of lawyers in the UK identified as lesbian or gay, 1.4% as bisexual, and 89.2% as heterosexual. 

• Gender identity

In 2023, 0.5% of lawyers confirmed that their gender identity was different to their sex registered at birth. 

• Visibility initiatives

The FreeBar Visibility initiative provides profiles for LGBTQ+ barristers, clerks, and allies. 

• Representation matters

Representation in the workplace can help people feel welcomed and valued and encourage them to develop their careers. 

Representation today in the UK Judicial services remains quite small, with the Ministry of Justice's 2020 statistics report showing that only 6% of applicants that year were openly LGBT+.  At Biscoes, we are dedicated to improving diversity and inclusivity and supporting our LGBT+ staff and clients alike.

Looking Ahead: The Future of LGBT+ Rights

The legal profession has made incredible strides in advancing LGBT+ rights, but there is still much to be done. As we reflect on LGBT+ History Month, it is essential to remember that social change is not linear, and advocacy is ongoing. As legal representatives, we consider that we have a unique responsibility to continue fighting for equality, fairness, and justice.

Looking ahead, we must push for greater inclusion of LGBT+ history and issues in legal education, promote awareness of the evolving rights of non-binary and transgender individuals, and ensure that all members of the LGBT+ community have access to the legal protections they deserve. Our work, in partnership with activists and the LGBT+ community, remains essential in creating a more just and equitable society.

In line with this, Biscoes are proud to be main stakeholders with Portsmouth Pride, who are incredibly excited to be hosting UK Pride in 2025.  Look out for further posts about the work we are undertaking and what we are doing in the months leading up to celebrating Pride on 7^th June 2025 and the ways in which we will be celebrating LGBT+ History Month in 2025.