13 – 15 November 2020
Online
Like many other organisations, UNISON has had to cancel many of its conferences and meetings as a result of COVID-19.
But the UK’s biggest union has democracy at its heart and still wants its members to be involved.
With this in mind, UNISON’s LGBT+ members have organised a series of virtual events in place of their usual conference online – LGBT+ Live! – 13 to 15 November.
There will be a variety of online sessions that members can participate in.
How to register
These events are only open to UNISON members. To attend LGBT+ Live! you must be an LGBT+ member of UNISON. This is in line with UNISON’s commitment to self-organisation for under-represented groups.
In order to make LGBT+ Live! as accessible as possible, please let us know if there are any adjustments you will need to allow you to take part in a virtual event.
To register your interest in attending please email conferences@unison.co.uk as follows:
Please include the subject heading – LGBT+ Live!
In your email – please provide:
- Your name
- Your membership number
- Your branch name
- Any reasonable adjustments you need to participate
The registration deadline is Thursday 5 November at 5pm.
Once you’ve been registered for the event, you will be sent an email giving details of the virtual sessions you can attend, so you can register for these individually. You can attend as many or as few as you like.
So get active! Email conferences@unison.co.uk today to register to attend.
Programme
Friday 13 November
3-4pm Opening Session
Speakers: Christina McAnea – UNISON Assistant General Secretary. Kim Johnson – Labour MP and first Black MP for Liverpool. Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah co-founder & director of UK Black Pride
Our keynote speakers Christina, Lady Phyll and Kim will talk about the work they do. Christina will focus on the work that UNISON does, Lady Phyll on LGBT+ rights around the world and her work with Kaleidoscope and the commonwealth equality network. Kim will talk about her route through UNISON self organisation, and why being an LGBT+ ally is important to her. We are hopeful that they will take questions and we encourage you to send these through in advance of the session.
4.30 – 5.30pm Webinar – UNISON Campaigns including ‘No Going Back to Normal’
Learn about UNISON’s campaigns and how you can get involved. David Arnold, head of UNISON policy in discussion with members of UNISON’s policy development and campaigns committee and Lisa McGuinness, UNISON’s communications. The panel welcome questions, we encourage you to send these through in advance.
Saturday 14 November
10 – 11.15am Workshop – Digital Organising for LGBT+ equality
In a year that has seen so many of us turn to virtual means of communication, this workshop explores how to maximise the use of our existing social media channels and how we can use other digital platforms to organise LGBT+ members including holding virtual meetings and training.
We will also hear about good practice examples to help to develop our knowledge in running and participating in virtual events which will strengthen our ability to communicate our campaign messages and grow our union.
11.45am – 1pm Workshop – How to be a trans ally
Members of UNISON’s trans network and national committee talk about the importance of being a good trans ally. This workshop will give you the tools that you need to be an effective trans ally, in and out of the workplace.
2 – 3.15pm Webinar – The effect of COVID19 on LGBT+ people
Our panellists Quinn Roache, LGBT+ rights policy officer at the TUC, Emma Meehan from the LGBT Foundation in Manchester and Thomas Labrune from GALOP, the LGBT+ domestic abuse and hate crime charity talk about the effects of COVID19 on LGBT+ people. They will touch on the resources available to help. The panellists are happy to take questions, and we would encourage you to send these through in advance.
3.45 – 5pm Workshop – Everything you need to know regarding hotspots and notspots for like-minded travel in Europe
This is an interactive workshop, and in addition to hearing from a Polish LGBT+ activist, will talk about what we can do to support LGBT+ in other parts of Europe. We will also include a quiz around good and bad practice in Europe
7.30 – 10pm Social event
Social interaction is always an important part of any UNISON event, whether you’re a first time attendee or a veteran. Sadly the pandemic has meant we do things differently this year but that doesn’t mean we can’t socialise in another way:
Social Quiztancing
Please join us for a virtual quiz hosted by the North West region. Grab a drink, have a laugh and let’s see how clever you think you are! If you’re feeling brave turn up in fancy dress, best outfit will win a prize.
Virtual Music
DJ Sensi and Dave will provide music – you choose – dance the evening away or just relax and listen
Sunday 15 November
10 – 11.15am Webinar – Pride in Procurement
UNISON has been working with ‘Labour behind the Label’ to produce a Pride in Procurement leaflet, which is being launched during this webinar. Join Gemma who leads on UNISON’s ethical procurement project, and Mitchell Coe from Public Services International who will talk about the importance of ethical procurement when sourcing materials for Pride events.
The panel are happy to answer your questions, we request that you send them through to us in advance
11.45am – 1pm Webinar – 2020 – the year that was……
Join members of UNISON’s national LGBT+ committee to reflect on the past year, how we’ve adapted, what we’ve been up to and what our plans are as we go forward.
