- Conference
- 2024 National LGBT+ Conference
- Date
- 18 July 2024
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes that LGBT+ members are diverse and that some of our members experience racism, ableism, ageism, sexism because of who we are as well as discrimination because of our sexual orientations and gender identities. Understanding intersectionality and the dynamics of power and privilege is imperative for both employers and members to allow the fairest and most appropriate support is given at all times.
UNISON does not have an official definition of intersectionality. However, our diversity is reflected in our self-organised groups (SOGs), retired members organisation and national young members forum. In the workplace, adequate support should be given by employers to members who may be impacted by issues they face due to intersecting identities and by understanding additional needs they may have as a result. Trade unions are in a unique position to provide clarity and guidance to employers in respect of supporting workers with intersectional identities. Our system of self-organisation provides a wealth of knowledge based on lived experiences, and it is of utmost importance that our activists are as representative as possible. Diverse activists may act as visible role models for the wider membership and members may be more open to participating in UNISON activity if they see more activists and committee members like themselves.
Conference applauds the work done by the SOGs in developing training, model policies, and workplace guidance. However, we need to recognise, that whilst not all branch representatives will have the lived experience of intersectional discrimination, this should not prevent them from representing members who are affected by issues related to intersectional discrimination.
The plight of LGBT+ comrades both nationally and across the globe is worsening, exampled by recent developments in respect of the deportations of refugees to Rwanda, or the continued hostility towards trans communities in the political arena. Where UNISON is active in trying to help change government policies around these areas, UNISON members can also play their part locally, by having a wider and more diverse collective who are better-informed to help support their fellow LGBT+ workers, and have a better understanding of the issues we face. We can then ensure more of our LGBT+ comrades with intersectional identities may be supported in the best way possible and lead the way for employers to take note and follow.
Conference calls on the national LGBT+ Committee to:
1)Work with other SOGs to identify opportunities to recruit diverse activists within branches.
2)Work with other SOGs to run introductory sessions for aspiring activists, focussing on those with intersectional identities.
3)Embed the importance of having diverse and intersectional activist members delivering UNISON Equalities and Activist training.