During LGBT+ History Month it is important to reflect upon the figures in history that are considered pioneers both within the legal profession and those associated with it. While some strides have been made towards legal equality for LGBT+ people in recent history, long before that brave individuals paved the way for such advances. This was spurred on by law makers, law enforcers and those who applied the law in court. LGBT+ History Month is an opportune time to take a look back at some of the ‘firsts’ in legal history – trailblazers and activists that were and remain firmly ahead of their time.
Sergeant Harry Daley – first openly gay police officer
Despite the obvious adversity at the time, Harry Daley was a well-liked and respected police officer who was openly gay. He served in the Metropolitan police from 1925 and was accepted by his colleagues even though it was within their remit at the time to arrest actively homosexual members of the public. Daley had a unique personality and was beloved by his community, which placed him in the unusual position of being able to live authentically while maintaining his career. He had a brief relationship with E.M. Forster and released an autobiography detailing the working-class gay experience. Daley is currently the subject of a campaign for him to be honoured with a London heritage blue plaque – so his legend lives on.
Lord Smith of Finsbury – first voluntarily out MP
Chris Smith came out at a Labour rally in 1984, despite any potential backlash that could have affected his political career. In 2005, he was also the first MP to acknowledge that he was HIV positive, which gave encouragement to thousands of others living in fear of being open about their diagnosis. Smith became very prominent during the tenure of New Labour and as one of his many legacies reintroduced free entry to national museums. In honour of his bravery and public service, the Labour LGBT+ campaign fund is named after him.
Master Victoria McCloud – first transgender judge
Master Victoria McCloud was the first transgender judge in the United Kingdom and served for 14 years. She was also the youngest to be called to the Kings Bench in 2010 at age 40. Sadly, she ultimately decided to stand down in 2024, for fear that politics might overshadow her role in the judiciary. McCloud was an extremely well-regarded member of the judiciary who oversaw a number of high-profile cases. She is also a trained psychologist and continues to be a vocal and prominent transgender rights activist.
Oscar Davies – first openly non-binary barrister
Oscar Davies was the first barrister to publicly come out as non-binary and is a prominent award-winning human rights barrister. They are also a campaigner for LGBT+ rights and have given a number of interviews which have helped countless others in the legal profession who do not identify as a specified gender. In 2024, Davies won the ‘LGBTQ+: Champion of the Year’ award at the Legal 500 ESG Awards and continues to work at the bar.
Ruth Davidson – first openly homosexual leader of a political party
Ruth Davidson has frequently spoken about the positive messages she’s received from young gay people after she assumed her role as head of the Scottish Conservatives. She is undoubtedly a figure that has inspired many and continues to create impact in her role in the House of Lords. She is an extremely passionate advocate of LGBT+ rights. Moreover, her lower-middle class background is often considered unusual for a Tory with centrist progressive views.
Chris Barkley is partner at Russell Cooke and a member of the Law Society’s LGBTQ+ Solicitors Network; Honza Červenka is a senior associate at McAllister Olivarius and a member of the Law Society’s LGBTQ+ Solicitors Network
