Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members

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Out in UNISON is our regular newsletter for members. It can be direct mailed to any member - just add your name to our confidential mailing list.
For the latest issue of Out in UNISON see documents.

Getting involved
Come along to your regional group to find out about events and get involved in organising for the future. The region can support you in setting up or reinvigorating a group in your branch. It will put you in touch with other members who share your concerns.
Go to Link to another page on this siteRegional Officers for more information.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are still denied equality in the workplace - too often we face discrimination and harassment instead of a fair deal. Joining UNISON gives you a voice in Britain's biggest union, which is committed to working for LGBT rights.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members organise locally and nationally to support each other, to identify and challenge discrimination, to increase awareness of LGBT rights and to campaign for change. Every year we organise a national conference, This year's conference takes place from 14-16 November 2008 at the Bristol Marriott Hotel. LGBT conference 2008

What we're doing now

New duty to promote LGBT equality

(26 June 08) UNISON has welcomed the long-awaited announcement on the Government’s Equality Bill. It has been confirmed that the three duties on the public sector to promote disability, gender and race equality will be replaced by a single duty. This will cover the existing grounds and extend to gender reassignment, sexual orientation, age and religion or belief.

Join UNISON at London Pride on 5 July

UNISON will be out and proud on the pride march in London on 5 July. UNISON Greater London LGBT Group are registered as a walking group and are meeting for a champagne (or orange juice) breakfast first. Bring a bottle and join us at the assembly in Baker Street from 12 noon. Look out for the UNISON banner and sail flags. The march moves off at 1pm. We will be distributing Pay Matters and LGBT materials along the way. Details of the route are at http://www.pridelondon.org/parade-map.php. Come to the UNISON stall in Trafalgar Square and bring any family members who need to join the union.

UNISON protests homophobic statements from N Ireland MLA and MP

UNISON has protested strongly against homophobic statements from Iris Robinson, who is a Member of the Legislative Assembly and MP for Strangford. Her husband, Peter Robinson, has rececently been appointed Northern Ireland's First Minister. See a video clip of the protest at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7444392.stm

National Network Meetings for bisexual, transgender, black and disabled LGBT members

UNISON holds separate national meetings for bisexual members, transgender members, disabled LGBT members and black LGBT members.

Bi and trans members - 11 July; Disabled LGBT members - 12 September; Black LGBT members - 13 September

Pride season 2008 - recruiting LGBT members

LGBT pride events are taking place in towns and cities across the UK this summer. They are a good place to promote UNISON and our work for LGBT equality and to recruit new members. Click on the link for a calendar of events plus suggestions about UNISON materials that are good for stalls at prides and how to get hold of them.

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia

(16 May 08) On 17 May, individuals and groups all over the world are acting against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia to mark IDAHO.

Join the TUC LGBT committee actions in London and Birmingham - details at http://www.tuc.org.uk/equality/index.cfm?mins=21&minors=21

ILGA is marking the day with the publication of a new report on state sponsored homophobia. 86 UN member states still criminalize consensual same sex acts among adults, institutionally promoting a culture of hatred. Seven of these have the death penalty as punishment. Read the report at www.ilga.org

Goods and services protection on grounds of gender reassignment

(2 April 2008) From Sunday 6 April, it is unlawful for providers of goods, facilities and services to discriminate against or harass people on grounds of gender reassignment. The Sex Discrimination (Amendment of Legislation) Regulations 2008 have finally completed their Parliamentary journey and come into effect. They apply across the UK. Any claim would be via a county or Sheriff court. They are similar to the regulations banning discrimination in goods and services on grounds of sexual orientation, which came into force last December.

2008 LGBT Health Summit

The 3rd national LGBT Health Summit takes place in Bristol on 4-5 September. To register your interest in attending, fill in the attached form and you will be sent further details. LGBT Health Summit expression of interest: A6718.doc.doc More information from Abbie.Pepperell@equalitysouthwest.org.uk

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CONTACT DETAILS
• For urgent help and advice at work go to Help at Work.
• UNISON's national officer (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality) is Carola Towle.
UNISON
1 Mabledon Place
London WC1H 9AJ
Email: out@unison.co.uk
Recent documents

Out in UNISON 35 - Summer 2008

Newsletter on LGBT Equality in UNISON. This issue includes making LGBT equality a reality, a map of LGBT rights in the world, making UNISON's Equality Scheme work for you and many other articles of interest
Link to a PDF document on this siteAcrobat PDF (2578765 bytes)

Guidance on Trans Equality in Post School Education

New trans equality guidance for the post-school sector was launched at the House of Commons on Tuesday 20 May. It gives background information, practical advice and examples of best practice, so the education sector can fulfil legal requirements and provide a positive environment for trans workers and students.
Link to a PDF document on this siteGuidance on Trans Equality in Post School Education

Guidance on Supporting Trans Members

This updated UNISON / Scottish Transgender Alliance is an introductory guide for trade union reps on supporting trans members
Link to a PDF document on this siteAcrobat PDF (280157 bytes)

Bargaining for Transgender Workers

This updated factsheet gives information about the rights of transgender people at work and suggests good practice for employers and UNISON branches. It includes information on the law, support for members undergoing gender reassignment and checklists for negotiating and for branches.
Link to a document on this siteWord document (877056 bytes)

National news

Time to stop homophobic bullying

(04/07/08) Unions call for LGBT equality education in schools

UNISON members mark International Trans Memorial Day

(20/11/07) LGBT conference puts equality for all on the agenda

New law will help protect NHS staff

(09/10/07) UNISON welcomes move to crack down on hospital offenders
News list >