The possible forms of professionalism: credibility and the performance of queer sexualities among barristers in England and Wales

This article constitutes the first account of sexual minority barristers’ experience of and relation to professionalism at the Bar. Drawing on survey and interview data, it presents the Bar as a site of heteronormativity, where masculinist heterosexuality is pervasively assumed and publicly valorized. The ‘credible’ barrister – authoritative, respected, competent – is constructed as heterosexual. In this context, sexual minority barristers risk a loss of credibility in coming out or being out in the workplace. Our data presents mechanisms by which these individuals manage the public expression of their sexuality. Some – in contrast to heterosexual colleagues – deny entirely the professional relevance of their sexuality. Others adopt assimilationist strategies, curating a ‘credible’ public persona: out, but otherwise conforming to heteronormative expectations and values. While the data includes exceptions that give cause for hope, many sexual minority barristers experience professionalism as pressure to render their sexuality effectively invisible, at significant cost personally and professionally.     

Prospects and Progress in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland

Mr. Mason, who is Director of the Institute of Race Relations,London, gave the address that follows at a joint meeting ofthe Royal African Society and Royal Commonwealth Society onOctober 5, 1961. Sir Gilbert Rennie G.B.E, K.C.M.G., M.C., formerHigh Commissioner for the Federation in London, took the chair.     

The Colour Problem in Britain as it Affects Africa and the Commonweath

The following address by the Director of the Institute of RaceRelations at Chatham House was given at a joint meeting of theRoyal African Society and the Commonwealth Society on February5, 1959. The chairman was Mr. H. V. Hodson, Editor of The SundayTimes.     

A Communication Model of Taxpayer Honesty

Sample surveys report that admitted tax evasion remains widespread and shows no sign of declining. An analysis of communication effects among Oregon adults suggests divergent, not convergent patterns among the users of mass media and personal information channels. Mass media exposure is strongly related to fear of getting caught and is directly related to taxpayer honesty. Personal discussion, however, is associated with low fear perceptions and is unrelated to compliance. Low fears are related to taxpayer dishonesty. No relationship is reported between mass media use and interpersonal discussion. Personal discussion does not appear to reinforce media messages as one would expect in a convergent communication model. Communication strategies for fostering compliance are discussed.