As autumn draws nearer and the nights get darker, recent second-six pupil Samuel Eskdale reflects on this summer’s celebrations of Manchester’s much-loved LGBTQ+ community and looks forward to the future of Central Chambers’ efforts to support, highlight and protect LGBTQ+ folk – in Manchester and beyond.

This year, as in many years past, Central Chambers spearhead the Manchester Bar’s commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ Community, marching arm in arm with our LGBTQ+ and allied members, pupils, clerks, colleagues and friends in the Manchester Pride Parade.

This year was particularly special. Not only did we have the largest cohort that Central Chambers has seen in recent history, but we also had many wonderful supporters come along to cheer us – and the entirety of the LGBTQ+ community of Manchester – on with love. Partners, family members and friends shared in the joy of the five-day long Pride festivities.

In enjoying the fun, it is important for us all to remember and reflect on the purpose of Pride. Manchester is privileged in its deep-rooted love for LGBTQ+ folk. Sadly there remain places in the country and the world where LGBTQ+ people are still struggling, not only for their existence to be recognised but for their needs to be taken care of and their lives to be free from harm. Allyship is an important part of protecting the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and is the cornerstone of Central’s approach to this tireless work.

Our Continued Dedication

Central Chambers is dedicated to serving the people of Manchester and beyond with bespoke legal representation. For those individuals who require support, guidance and representation but don’t know where to turn, the Central Chambers LGBTQ+ Pro Bono Law Clinic is open to all members of the community who are facing legal issues.

The Central Chambers clinic has been in operation since 2021 and has served – and continues to serve – gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary and gender non-conforming folks from all walks of life with a plethora of legal issues. Ranging from civil litigation and criminal proceedings to protest, discrimination and employment claims, the clinic is staffed by the very best of Central’s legal minds who, alongside their busy diaries, offer their services to those who need it most. If you or someone you know requires the support of the clinic, our application form can be found here.

As recently as 10th October 2024, members of Central Chambers also attended the annual George House Trust Drag Ball at Diecast Manchester. The Drag Ball is an evening bringing the community together to remember, celebrate and highlight the needs of HIV positive individuals. The night includes dedications to those we have lost as well as those living with HIV, speeches from the GHT board of trustees, a raffle, and a star-studded line up of some of Manchester’s best drag artists, all coming together in an effort to raise awareness of GHT’s core message: that “Undetectable = Untransmittable”. The event also raised funds to further the GHT’s charitable endeavours. More information about the George House Trust’s mission can be found here.

Looking to the Future

Central Chambers is committed to furthering the aims of the LGBTQ+ community and has spent many years fighting alongside LGBTQ+ folks, particularly in supporting efforts to protect the lives and healthcare rights of HIV positive individuals.

To that end, on 12th October 2024, Central Chambers will be completing a 10k walk through Manchester’s canal system to raise funds for the Terrence Higgins Trust. This is a cause that many at Central feel passionate about and are hoping to inspire others to ‘do the work’ for the LGBTQ+ community.

The Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV charity, supporting people living with HIV and amplifying their voices whilst helping the people using their services to achieve good sexual health.

All support for the trust helps to work towards a world where:

• There are no new HIV cases in the UK by 2030.
• People living with HIV get the support they need.
• Everyone can access good quality sexual and reproductive health services and information tailored to their individual needs.
• HIV and sexual and reproductive health free from shame and stigma.

If you would like to support the trust in their work, the donation link for Chamber’s 10k walk can be found here. If you are interested in joining us on our walk, please email joseph.lynch@centralchambers.co.uk.

Thoughts for 2025

As the year comes to an end, Central leave 2024 feeling hopeful for the future. Hopeful that members of the LGBTQ+ community can continue to get the support they need and deserve and continue to strive for a society that protects all individuals regardless of their gender, sexuality or identification.