LGBTQ+ Forum Annual Dinner

The Middle Temple LGBTQ+ Forum invites you to attend its 2023 Annual Dinner, where we will welcome a speaker for the evening!

This is a chance for the LGBTQ+ members, students and Benchers of the Middle Temple – and their Allies, guests, family and friends – to dine together, to learn, to celebrate and to get some glitter on their lapels.

The theme of this year’s annual dinner is to celebrate 20 years since the abolition in November 2003 of section 28 of the Local Government Act 1988, which introduced section 2A to the Local Government Act 1986 and forbade local authorities from promoting the teaching “of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship”.

There will be a pre-dinner talk from Professor Paul Baker of Lancaster University, who is a published author on this topic. His discussion will consider the factors leading up to the introduction of section 28; the ways that newspapers and politicians fanned the flames of homophobia; the wide range of protests against it; the effects of the law; the fight to repeal it and its eventual legacy. This talk will therefore cover themes of legal knowledge, justice, equality, diversion and inclusion.

During dinner, then will then be a short talk from our guest speaker, Booan Temple. Booan is a barrister and is especially qualified to talk at this event given her active role in campaigning to stop section 28 passing. It is hoped that (technology allowing) the short BBC documentary of Booan’s efforts can be played at the dinner. This talk will therefore cover themes of legal knowledge, justice, equality, diversion and inclusion.

With thanks to 4PB who are kindly sponsoring the drinks reception!

Student/Hall Members: Guests welcome

Benchers: Guests welcome

Members of the other Inn's of Court: Guest welcome

If you (or your guests) have any dietary requirements please ensure that you provide this information when you book tickets.  If you did not do so, please inform the Inn no later than 12:00 two working days before the event. 

If you (or your guests) are unsure about anything on the evening please speak to the events staff on duty.

Non-alcoholic alternatives will be provided on request.

Further details on dietary requirements

Click here to see details of the QS Requirements and how to be credited with the QS for this session

Learning Aims:

After this session, students should be able to:

• Acquire knowledge concerning an infamous piece of domestic legislation;
• Understand how the law came to be made and then repealed, its operation in practice and impact; and
• Understand how Statute and its interpretation can directly impact LGBTQ+ rights and how reforms have been fought for and achieved.

Links to the Professional Statement, wider workings of the Bar, administration of justice or a public interest matter

The QS will align with these elements of the professional statement:

2.3

Click here to view the BSB's Professional Statement

QS Feedback

If you have any feedback on a QS you have attended or have any suggestions for future sessions, please contact the education department on education@middletemple.org.uk

If you have questions about accessibility at the Inn or if you would like to request support, please email Laura Hacon.

The Inn is committed to improving access to all its services and encourages members to get in touch with suggestions and feedback on how we can improve. If you feel your experience using the website or attending one of our events could be improved, please email Laura. Your suggestions will be treated in the strictest confidence.