Recapping TUC LGBT+ Conference
Prospect Union’s delegation of eight were some of the 200 delegates attending the 2022 TUC LGBT+ Workers Conference, which was held in person for the first time since 2019. The hashtag for conference: #ProudToBeUnion encapsulates the strength from diversity and unity of message from the LGBT+ worker’s movement.
Covid restrictions over the past two years has meant that many Pride marches and in-person events have been unable to go ahead, so when we finally got a chance to convene in person at the TUC LGBT+ Conference there was an outpouring of demands for change.
We’ve seen Britain plummet from 1st in 2015 to 14th out of 49 countries in Europe in the 2022 IGLA Europe Indexwhich maps LGBT+ rights. Some of the reasons for this according to ILGA Europe include the failure of equality bodies to adequately protect LGBT+ people, the absence of a ban on Conversion Therapy for all, the lack of progress on Gender Recognition and the treatment of LGBT+ people seeking asylum.
These concerns were reflected in the 18 motions and two emergency motions brought to conference by unions affiliated to the TUC. One motion from conference was voted to be on the agenda at the Trades Union Congress in September in Brighton, that motion was Composite 2. ‘Supporting Trans & Non-Binary Workers’ brought by NEU, CWU, UCU, FBU and Community. This motion calls out the rise of anti-LGBT+ organisations and their role in promoting a global resistance to LGBT+ rights, it asks for campaigning to counter political attacks on trans & non-binary rights including an EHRC that advances LGBT+ rights.
There were two panel discussions at conference, one on ‘Anti-Racist LGBT+ Organising’ and one on ‘Fighting for Trans Rights’ and excellent speakers including Prospect’s own Sue Ferns as President of the TUC, Frances O’Grady the TUC General Secretary, Nadia Whittome MP, Stuart Milk from the Harvey Milk Foundation and Nancy Kelley, CEO of Stonewall.
Prospect’s motion to conference came from our BECTU sector and was in support of our LGBT+ members who work in the media who need dignity, respect and the protections under the Equality Act of 2010 upheld in workplaces. Our motion ‘Attacks on Workplace Equality’ was seconded by Equity and passed unanimously. Our delegates spoke on motions on topics including trans and non-binary rights, international LGBT+ rights and workplace dignity and equality.
The LGBT+ Workers Conference is pivotal in allowing LGBT+ workers to decide their own policy. In a year where our protections and our rights have been attacked – our voices were loud and clear, we will not be divided and we are stronger together.