- Conference
- 2023 National LGBT+ Conference
- Date
- 21 July 2023
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conference notes the success of the National Lesbian, Gay, Trans and Bisexual Plus (LGBT+) Committee’s campaign on trans equality, particularly the trans ally training programme. Over 1,000 UNISON members have now been trained, and trans and non-binary members are being trained to deliver the training and reach even more members.
Conference reaffirms our commitment to UNISON’s position that trans women are women, trans men are men, and non-binary identities are valid.
However, while UNISON is leading the way in campaigning for trans equality, our employers do not always demonstrate best practice in delivering public services to trans and non-binary people.
Many UNISON members work in public-facing roles where they may need to provide medical or personal care for trans and non-binary people. Other UNISON members may work in positions where they are required to ask for identification information, and record personal details such as name and gender information.
It’s essential that staff who work with trans and non-binary service users are given the proper training and guidance in order to be able to accord trans and non-binary people the dignity and respect that they are entitled to, such as using the correct name and gender, and being aware that official identification documents may not necessarily reflect a person’s gender. In addition, conference believes it is important for public service organisations to provide the correct systems and forms which allow trans and non-binary people to record their gender and names accurately.
Many trans and non-binary UNISON members will themselves access healthcare and other public services, and should expect treatment which is gender-affirming and respectful of their identity.
Conference asks the National LGBT+ committee to:
1)Survey members to get a clear picture of the adequacy of guidance, training and systems across our employers, both for members working in public-facing roles and for those accessing services;
2)Work with Service Groups to identify areas where partnership working between UNISON and employers can improve gender-affirming services
3)Review any guidance by UNISON and information and consider updating this or producing new guidance if necessary
4)Continue to promote and develop the Trans Ally training programme to all members in UNISON.