Life as an Equalities Rep at Community – Q&A

Our primary goal at Community is to create a better world of work for our members.

During Pride Month, it is important to acknowledge that many LGBTQIA+ workers continue to face discrimination and harassment in the workplace.

This reality is why we have equalities representatives in place, who can support and advocate for our members.

In this Q&A, Equalities Representative Dr Naomi Corteen, reflects on her experience as a first-time speaker at the TUC’s recent LGBT+ Conference in Brighton and discusses her commitment to making a meaningful difference following her transition.

What was it like going to the TUC LGBT+ Conference 2026?

“There’s a tradition at trade union conferences to applaud a first-time speaker, and I think the clapping was symbolic of how welcoming the environment at the TUC LGBT+ Conference in Brighton was, and how the trade union movement has welcomed me in general. I was speaking to second an important motion proposing measures to engage with, and better understand, the workplace bullying and harassment faced by far too many LGBT+ people and other minorities. I’m proud to say it passed.”

How would you sum up your experience at the conference?

“Incredibly empowering. The Community delegation, nine of us, were very friendly. Us first timers were placed amongst a few stalwarts who shared their experiences with us. We had a meal together the night before, then got down to business.

“It was fascinating to hear about the other workplaces Community represents, and the issues faced by members at each. Hearing so many impassioned folk speak on motions was a fantastic morale boost and incredibly educational. I definitely gained a wider perspective on a number of issues. As well as listening to speakers and voting on the motions there were great opportunities to make connections and network, which will be useful going forward.

“A big thank you to everyone who made conference possible, including the venue staff, the transport workers who got us there and home in a heatwave, the facilitators, the speakers, our guest keynotes. I look forward to doing more to help our members.”

The Community delegation at TUC LGBT+ Conference

How did you come to join Community?

“Working in the steel industry, colleagues were quick to suggest I join the union, primarily as a form of insurance against the uncertainties of the industry. I didn’t expect to personally need union representation, but I was a believer in the trade union movement as a political principle, so I had intended to join anyway. At various points during the intervening years, I’d thought about union work as a way to make a difference, but held myself back. I told myself that the steelworkers out on plant were not going to find the posh girl (though I still thought I was a guy at this point), driving over from a nice clean remote site, the most reassuring representative. I think I was being rather silly, but there we are.”

How did coming out as transgender lead to you getting involved in trade union activity?

“The UK has been a pretty difficult place for transgender folk over the last few years, I picked an interesting time to come out for sure. I’ve done various kinds of activism, and like many of us, vented a lot of frustration into the void online.

“I wanted a way to make a productive difference as a healthier outlet than anger. I started getting in contact with various figures, writing to MPs and ministers, and contacting the equalities team for my union, who I am thankful to say were very responsive and listened to my concerns.

“They suggested I go down to the upcoming meeting of the TUC Trans and Non-binary Network in Cardiff and it felt really positive to be in a room full of queer folks and allies, trying our best to make a difference. I have corresponded with the equalities team since, and as well as listening to me on specific issues, they suggested ‘why don’t you get involved?’. So, I did!”

Why did you become an equalities rep?

“Becoming an equalities rep has helped me overcome my anxieties about representing a workforce whose life experiences won’t always overlap with mine. It also lets me make a difference on a number of issues that are dear to my heart. Not only LGBTQIA+ issues, but also for example, disability rights and women’s rights. (I work for an employer with a 90% male workforce and would love to both support our women and get more women into engineering). I’ve completed my initial union rep training, now it’s time to get meeting with my branch and our members and get out there, making life better for people.”

If you are interested in becoming an Equalities Rep at Community, visit our website to find out more here.