- Conference
- 2025 National LGBT+ Conference
- Date
- 29 July 2025
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
Conferences notes that bisexual plus (bi+) people continue to experience erasure, misunderstanding and exclusion – even within lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender plus (LGBT+) spaces. This erasure can often lead to bi+ identities, merged into other categories, contributing to a lack of visibility, awareness and often inadequate support. Conference notes that many people still drop the “+” when referring to UNISON’s LGBT+ structures, which contributes to ongoing marginalisation within our Union.
Conferences notes that there is limited research available on bi+ identities.
Conference recognises the success of UNISON’s trans ally training, which has proven to be successful across branches and regions in raising awareness and encouraging inclusive practices for trans, non-binary and gender diverse members. Conference notes the early success of UNISON’s ace/aro (asexual / aromantic) awareness training, which has already shown positive engagement and impact on developing awareness of some of the “+” identities.
Conference affirms that bi+ people are a vital part of our Union and LGBT+ community and deserve focussed visibility and support. Conference agrees that intentional awareness work can help dismantle harmful stereotypes, build inclusive workplaces and create safer spaces within our own structures.
Conference calls on the National LGBT+ Committee to:
1)Work with the bi+ network and UNISON’s Learning and Organising Services to develop and implement a bi+ awareness training programme.
2)Develop and update resources that explore the spectrum of bi+ identities and lived experience.
3)Support regional LGBT+ self-organised groups in promoting this training and sharing bi+ resources with branches and activists.