Opinion: How to celebrate LGBT+ History Month

Mitchell Coe, UNISON’s national LGBT+ officer, has some suggestions for how branches can mark this month

Large UNISON ballon, UNISON flag and rainbow flag at London Pride

UNISON, like its predecessor unions, has been at the forefront of LGBT+ inclusion for decades. From helping to lead the fight against Section 28 and abolishing discriminatory laws against LGBT+ people in the 80s and 90s, to campaigning for equal marriage and equal pensions for same-sex partners, our LGBT+ members have shown us how activism can lead to huge social change.

Our trans, non-binary and gender diverse members have been showing how activism with UNISON can create real change – over 7,000 UNISON members are now trained in how to be good trans allies, a programme that has largely been led by the trans, non-binary and gender diverse network.

And now our asexual (ace) and aromantic (aro) members are leading the way with their activism – creating the first network of ace/aro workers in the UK trade union movement and educating us on why we should be focusing on ace/aro worker issues in the workplace. 

So what can you do to show your activism in your workplace throughout LGBT+ History Month?

Run a trans ally training session in your region/branch. Get in touch with your regional education officer to arrange this. You can find out who they are here.

Make sure your workplace policies are inclusive of LGBT+ workers. We have a handy checklist at here to help you. 

Make sure your workplace is inclusive of trans workers – we have a model trans equality policy here to help you negotiate with employers.

We also have a PowerPoint presentation that details our LGBT+ history and can be presented in your workplace during a lunch and learn. You can download that here.

And if you’re an LGBT+ member – get involved! Contact your regional LGBT+ contact here, and come along to a regional LGBT+ meeting. There has never been a better time to become active in UNISON.