This June 2020 would have been a month of Pride celebrations. However, this year, large scale parades and celebrations will not be possible.
To mark the month in these more sombre circumstances invites reflection. We know that the first Pride marches were formed out of protest and anger in the face of discrimination, brutality and violence. In recent years the Pride marches have become more commercialised with big name brands dominating large parades but in many of these companies little action follows.
Amidst a less than ideal situation, perhaps we can use this time to make our Pride celebrations more personal, and bring them back into our communities, reflecting on how we can ensure that everyone is empowered to be themselves at work, and how we can come together with those near to us to celebrate our identities.
We know that there have been many people for whom lockdown has created enormous difficulties- including those who are trapped at home with family or friends who may not respect or accept LGBT+ identities. We’ve also heard from LGBT+ workers who have been criticised for being out in public with their partners. People have wrongly assumed that they must be from different households and are breaching social distancing. This is prejudice, and it’s not right.
We’re here to support all of our members, and that’s why we’ve released a new guide for LGBT+ workers and allies, explaining what rights you have at work, and best practice for workplaces to make LGBT+ people feel supported and safe.
If you are a member of Community and need help or advice, please contact us at servicecentre@community-tu.org or on 0800 389 6332.
To join Community, visit here.
© Community Trade Union 2021