- Conference
- 2024 National Delegate Conference
- Date
- 19 February 2024
- Decision
- Carried
Conference notes:
1)UNISON’s strong support for trans rights and welcomes the introduction of trans ally training across the union;
2)The blocking of proposed reforms to the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill by Westminster Tories. These reforms were intended to make life better for trans people who are amongst the most oppressed and victimised members of society. The government’s own Equalities Survey found 67% of trans people avoided being open about their gender identity because they feared a negative reaction. This move by Sunak’s government is an attempt to whip up ‘culture wars’ against an already demonised group, at a time when workers are fighting back against the cost of living;
3)That in December 2023, the Tories produced new guidance for schools on youth transitioning. This guidance is extremely concerning as it creates barriers for young people who are gender-questioning who would want to speak to their teachers in confidence. As well as attempting to prescribe how children and young people can identify, and that “there will be very few occasions in which a school or college will be able to agree to a change of pronouns”, the guidance states that, “Schools and colleges should engage parents as a matter of priority, and encourage the child to speak to their parents”. However, this is guidance, not policy;
4)The DfE’s Keeping Children Safe in Education makes clear that “In order to fulfil this responsibility [safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children] effectively, all practitioners should make sure their approach is child centred. This means that they should consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.”;
5)Stonewall explains in its guidance for schools that “regardless of their age, a person’s status as trans is private. Schools and colleges should not disclose information – such as details about a transition – that could reveal somebody’s trans status to others, including parents or carers, staff, and anyone outside the school, college or setting. You may only share this information where there is a safeguarding risk, or if a child or young person has given their permission for specific details to be shared.”.
Conference further notes:
a)Events like Drag Queen Story Time have been targeted by far right and nazi groups like Turning Point UK, who have organised repeated protests outside the events;
b)These protests have on the whole been met with larger counter demonstrations supporting the hosts, workers and story tellers. However, we cannot be complacent and assume this will always be the case, successful protests require organisation;
c)Trans Day of Remembrance on 20 November and Trans Visibility Day on 31 March. Both of these are important days to highlight both the attacks trans people face and the campaign for trans rights.
Conference believes that:
a)The rights of trans people do not conflict with or reduce the rights of other oppressed groups. We stand in solidarity with our trans comrades and fight for a ban on trans conversion therapy, to end all barriers to gender self-identification, for fully funded trans healthcare;
b)It is a council and school’s duty to ensure that their students’ and young people’s welfare is always the highest priority;
c)While we of course involve parents and carers where practical, where appropriate, and where necessary, we know that there are times when this is not advisable, and sadly sometimes not even safe;
d)In an election year, it is clear that the Tories will scapegoat LGBT+ and particularly trans people if they believe it will win them votes;
e)Abandoning gender self-identification as a policy in 2023 by the Labour Party was a step back in the fight for LGBT+ liberation;
f)Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary people exist and should be respected.
Conference resolves to call on the National Executive Council to:
i)Work with the LGBT+ committee and other appropriate bodies in UNISON to support protests and struggles to defend and extend trans rights. This includes investigating what activities and publicity can be organised on Trans Remembrance day and Trans Visibility Day and supporting trans ally training;
ii)Work with the Labour Link committee to develop the best way to campaign for LGBT+ rights and liberation within the Labour party;
iii)Work with the LGBT+ committee and other appropriate bodies in UNISON to develop guidance and support for our members working in libraries, schools and other roles where they are facing increasing transphobia and homophobia, particularly where hosting Drag Queen Story Time has been opposed;
iv)Work with the LGBT+ committee, Regions and other appropriate bodies in UNISON to continue to support, publicise and attend Trans Pride events.