TUC LGBT+ Conference

Community members were in attendance at this week’s LGBT+ TUC Conference in London.

Community’s delegation included Community’s Head of Equalities Jennifer Dean, as well eight reps from across the union’s steel, self-employed, logistics, finance and justice and custodial sectors.

Community reps moved a number of motions from the conference floor, including our own motion on ending HIV transmission and stigma.

Community AA Rep Paul Thomas summed up the delegation’s experience at conference, as well as the importance of workplaces adopting an LGBT+ manifesto or charter:

“This week the AA sent delegates to the LGBT+ TUC conference in London. This year’s theme was ‘Defeating the Narratives of Division’, and the conference was dominated by powerful speeches.

Its clear that consistent, robust, inclusive policies are essential for ensuring equality, dignity, and the safety of LGBT+ workers. The creation of a manifesto or charter for workplaces can provide a clear framework for negotiating better protections and rights for LGBT+ workers.

Education is key: harassment languishes in silence, prevention is protection and acceptance is education. Updated policies and model toolboxes are needed.

Real equality doesn’t happen by accident, and not every worker is covered by a collective agreement or a union. An LGBT+ charter would push for real inclusion, protection and respect.”

Community reps and officials will also be taking part in this weekend’s Pride in London events. You can find out more at https://prideinlondon.org/

Across every sector of union and every nation and region of the UK, we’re united with our LGBTQIA+ members in solidarity, equality & pride.