Celebrating Pride Month – An Interview with Daniel Birch

Happy Pride Month! 🌈

Pride is a celebration, but it’s also a reminder of why visibility, inclusion and allyship still matter.

While the legal profession has made significant progress, not everyone feels equally able to bring their whole selves to work. The Solicitors Regulation Authority notes that, although LGBTQ+ representation in the profession broadly reflects the wider population, there is still evidence that many LGBTQ+ people do not feel comfortable being “out” in the workplace.

Last year, we sat down with Daniel Birch, Practice Manager at No5 Barristers’ Chambers, to discuss his experiences as an LGBTQIA+ professional working in Chambers. Daniel serves on the Management Committee of the Institute of Barristers’ Clerks, sits on the Bar Council’s Pro Bono and Social Responsibility Committee and on the FREEBAR Committee and was the proud winner of No5’s “Strictly 9 to 5” event in 2025.

One of the reflections that stood out was Daniel’s belief that true inclusion means being able to be yourself without being defined by any one aspect of your identity. As he explained, throughout his career he has felt valued for who he is as a person and for the work he does, rather than being seen solely through the lens of his sexuality.

Daniel also spoke about the importance of visibility. By choosing to be open about who he is, he hopes that others entering the profession can see that there is space to succeed, belong and be themselves.

Not everyone feels safe or comfortable being “out” at work, and there should never be any expectation that they must be. But representation matters. Seeing people thrive as their authentic selves can help others feel that they can do the same, when the time is right for them.

This Pride Month, we’d like to thank Daniel for sharing his experiences and perspectives. By being authentically himself and visible within the profession, he is helping to show others that there is a place for them at the Bar and within Chambers. You can read Daniel’s full article from last year below:

What has your experience been like as an LGBTQIA+ person working in Chambers?

Overall, my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. I have never felt that my sexuality has been treated as a defining characteristic. To both my colleagues and the barristers I have clerked, I have always simply been recognised as Daniel. I have never felt categorised as ‘Daniel, the gay man.’ This has been, and continues to be, a gratifying experience, as I genuinely believe I have been seen and valued for the person I am, rather than being defined by any one aspect of my identity.

What advice would you give to LGBTQIA+ individuals who are entering the profession and unsure about being open in Chambers?

I believe it is most important that you feel comfortable in yourself. If you are uncertain about being open in Chambers, that is okay. There is no obligation to disclose anything before you are ready. Your identity is personal to you and you only. No one else has the right to define who you are, how you express yourself, or the extent to which you choose to share. Personally, I have always chosen to be open. This has not been only for my benefit, but also in the hope that my visibility might offer encouragement or inspiration to others who may not yet feel ready to do the same.

What does it mean to you when your workplace acknowledges or celebrates Pride?

Working in a Chambers that actively acknowledges and supports Pride is deeply meaningful to me. Each year, our Chambers walks in the Birmingham Pride Parade, which always stands out as one of the best days of my professional year. It is truly heartening to know that I am part of an environment where colleagues are welcoming and supportive, allowing me to be my authentic self without fear of judgment.

What’s one thing you wish more people understood about being LGBTQIA+ in a professional environment?

One thing I wish more people understood about being LGBTQIA+ in a professional environment is that, for a majority of us, our identity is just one part of who we are and not the entirety of our professional or personal selves. Whilst being open about our sexuality is important, it’s equally important for colleagues to respect that people in the LGBTQIA+ community want to be valued for their skills, contributions, and character. Creating an inclusive work environment means developing a culture where people feel safe to be themselves without being defined by their sexuality.