Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Black Members – Increasing Participation and Representation

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Conference
2011 National LGBT Conference
Date
8 August 2011
Decision
Carried

Conference notes the good work that has been achieved in self organisation and representation for Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) members at a national level. However, there is still a disproportionate amount of Black LGBT members represented at regional delegation level at National LGBT Conference, within regional LGBT groups and markedly so at branch level.

The interests of and the needs of Black LGBT members is still not being fully taken into account within the democratic structures that currently exist for LGBT members, within the make up of regional LGBT groups and delegations to national LGBT Conference. For many years LGBT members have led on the work to extend inclusivity, ensuring minority voices are heard, but times are changing and there is more that can be done. There has to be more vigour attached to broadening our current representation, if we cannot be seen to be inclusive and representative, we are failing to make our million voices reflective of the diversity and breadth of our membership.

We ask Conference to:

1.Encourage regional LGBT representatives at Regional Council and Regional Committee level to raise this particular issue at the next available opportunity;

2.Encourage branch and regional groups to draw up a positive action plan that looks at how to ensure greater representation and participation of Black LGBT members;

3.Be aware that cultural and social factors should not be a barrier to increasing the participation of Black LGBT members within branch and regional structures;

4.Be aware that all work done to increase greater Black LGBT participation and representation, will inevitably address the difficult issues of race, racism and religious differences.