Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members

Talking points

Mail us your views and comments

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 site

Regional 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

Parenting issues – urgent call to lobby your MP

(16 May 08) On Tuesday 20 May, Labour MPs will have a free vote on the clauses in the Government’s Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, affecting single and lesbian women’s access to fertility services. Lobby your MP NOW to vote in favour of the proposed wording on ‘the need for supportive parenting’ and against proposed amendments seeking to restrict access (clauses 14 and 23).

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

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.

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

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

Regional officers contact list

Address, telephone, textphone and email details for regional contacts.

TUC surveys monitoring policy and practice

(4/02/2008) The TUC is seeking information on workplace monitoring schemes that include questions on sexual orientation and/or gender identity, with a view to publishing good practice advice during 2008. If monitoring has been introduced in your workplace, please complete the attached survey and return to Peter Purton ppurton@tuc.org.uk no later than 28 February 2008. Please copy your responses to out@unison.co.uk. TUC monitoring survey: A6423 (TUC survey).doc

< Back | More >

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

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 site

Acrobat 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 site

Word document (877056 bytes)

Out in UNISON 34 - spring 2008

Newsletter on LGBT equality in UNISONThis issue includes human rights in healthcare; surrogacy leave victory; celebrating our differences; legal update
Link to a PDF document on this site

Acrobat PDF (2817078 bytes)

LGBT Factsheet – how members can get involved

This two-page guide advises members how to access LGBT information from UNISON. You can print off copies for branch use, as a resource for colleagues attending employer diversity training, or maybe to distribute at your local Pride events!
Link to a document on this site

Word document (81408 bytes)

All documents >

National news