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Our latest newsletter keeping you appraised of work being undertaken to promote Year of LGBT+ workers, ongoing Pride events, Conferences and more.

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UNISON Submission - Ending Conversion Practices in Scotland April 2024

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UNISON Submission - Ending Conversion Practices in Scotland April 2024

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Please see attached our responses to the Scottish government consultation.

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Conference is made up of a variety of sections, plenary where we debate motions, workshops run by the national committee, film screenings, Caucus groups meetings and Service Group and Regional meetings which we encourage delegates to attend.

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We actively encourage delegates to speak on matters which are important to them. Don't worry we can help you prepare a speech.

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You should register via your branch for attendance at conference, and the regional committee will send information to all delegates ahead of conference to keep you informed of who the lead delegates are for the region, and who your national reps are for advice.

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UNISON’s LGBT+ Self-Organised Group Conference takes place over three days. All delegates and visitors may attend all sessions of conference but voting on motions is restricted to delegates only. Delegates should attend all sessions of Conference. Motions are submitted by branches and regions and we actively encourage branches to submit motions in good time for conference. We are happy to help with writing motions, suggesting topics and assist in the process.

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Local Pride Events we plan to attend in 2024

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Local Pride Events we plan to attend in 2024

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Inverurie Pride - 30/3/24

TransPride - 30/3/24

Banchory Pride - 20/4/24

Grampain Pride - 25/5/24

Arran Pride - 1/6/24

Peterhead - 8/6/24

Dundee Pride - 15/6/24

Shetland Pride - 15/6/24

Edinburgh - 22/6/24

Highland Pride - 22/6/24 tbc

Fife Pride - 29/6/24

Portobello Pride - 29/6/24

Fraserburgh - 29/6/24

Orkney - 29/6/24

Mardigla - 20/7/24

West Lothian Pride - 27/7/24

South Lanarkshire Pride - 27/7/24

Bute Pride - 10/8/24

Perthshire Pride - 10/8/24

Stranraer Pride - 24/8/24

Oban Pride - 30/8/24

Elgin Pride - 7/9/24

Dumfries & Galloway Pride - 7/9/24

Stirling Pride - 21/9/24

Hebrides Pride - TBC

Huntly Pride - TBC

Borders Pride - TBC

East Renfrewshire Pride - TBC

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Ideally local branches would setup a pride organising group with local branch reps feeding into this and liaising with us.

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Please encourage your branch to get involved in their local pride event. we can assist them in how to do this.

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The motion can be amended as required to achieve the best possible outcome for LGBT+ equality in your branch constitution.

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This motion can be submitted to branches to build on the work we are undertaking this year and call for an LGBT+ position in branches if you do not already have one

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National LGBT+ Conference 2024 comes back to Edinburgh 

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National LGBT+ Conference 2024 comes back to Edinburgh 

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As in previous years we will be approaching branches for donations to the LGBT+ social event and would appreciate your support in this. 

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Motions should be submitted from branches as well as the region. Give yourself good time to write and discuss the motions before branch approval and in good time for the submission date which closes on 19th July 2024. As always we are happy to assist with motions, writing, amendments etc to ensure success at standing orders.

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Heres to a fantastic year and a brilliant conference, so - get your thinking caps on and start writing motions which are on subjects important to you and our community.

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The dates of conference are 8-10 Nov 2024 and will be held again in the EICC. We would recommend early booking of rooms under branch names to ensure you get a hotel close to the conference centre. 

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Matt Valenti - Co-Convenor

KayMarie Hughes - Co-Convenor

Stewart Young - Secretary

Michael Craig - National Rep

Ann Cameron Burns - National Rep

Stuart Cooper

Chrissy McKeag

Hugh Learmonth

Don Naismith

Ian Ludlam

Kris Keane

Kerry McGhee

womens seat - vacant

Black members seat - Vacant

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Susan Kennedy - UNISON Scotland LGBT+ Lead

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Please contact us if you are interested in a vacant seat

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Susan Burns - UNISON Scotland Regional Lead Organiser

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Committee Constitution - Roles and Responsibilities

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Committee Constitution - Roles and Responsibilities

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If your branch would like to be involved in a training course, please get in touch.

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Our national reps and convenors have regular meetings with our counterparts across the UK, to share best practice and update on any ongoing work.

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The role of the Committee is to work with National LGBT+ committee to action work and policy driven by the democratic decisions at National LGBT+ Conference made by you, the members. We also address local issues and organise campaigns as appropriate on matters affecting LGBT+ people across Scotland. We have been fortunate enough to build a good relationship and liaise with Scottish Government and the Cabinet Secretary for Equalities when necessary and are directly involved in any National consultations. We work closely with other LGBT+ organisations across the country and other Trade union organisations via our affiliation to the STUC. We promote important dates in the LGBT+ calendar, and also assist in the running of LGBT+ training across the region including a plan to expand training to branches and regional committees.

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An extensive workplan for year of LGBT+ worker is currently being put together and will be shared as soon as possible.

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UNISON president Libby Nolan addressed the union’s LGBT+ conference in Liverpool last weekend for the launch of the Year of LGBT+ Workers in 2024 and pledged: “I look forward to working with you to make this the best year possible. We have seen the Tories’ relentless attacks on trans, non-binary and gender diverse people and their rights. I’m not going to peddle the same myths that members of the Tory party are happy to spout – it’s unfair to draw attention to it. But let me be clear, the presidential team and UNISON will not tolerate or excuse any form of trans hate or anti-trans rhetoric. Libby added, “Trans rights are human rights and, as trade unionists, we are committed to fighting alongside our trans siblings against this. Our trans equality campaign, which has been driven by our wonderful trans, non-binary and gender diverse network, has been a huge success. Over 2,000 members have been trained to be trans allies. Over 450 trans, non-binary and gender diverse members have joined the network nationally, and over 50 workplaces now have our trans equality model policy adopted in their workplaces.”

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Planned events for Year of LGBT+ Workers

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Planned events for Year of LGBT+ Workers

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if you are holding an event we would love to hear from you.

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If you would like to undertake some training such as Trans ally training please contact us to arrange a date when reps are available to support this.

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We are currently working with Learning and Organising staff to run LGBT+ officers training in Scotland.

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We will continually update the calendar attached to reflect the events we plan to hold across branches, our union, and in the community.

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Here is the link to all the online resources created by national LGBT+ for use in promoting the Year of LGBT+ workers.

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There are currently two reserved seats on the STUC General Council, and the STUC LGBT+ conference can nominate these representatives, who along with the Committee’s wider engagement with the General Council allows for LGBT+ equality to be mainstreamed into the wider work of the STUC. 

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The LGBT+ Workers' Committee comprises of 12 members (of which UNISON's Chrissy McKeag is currently chair) and is accountable to the annual STUC LGBT+ Workers' Conference. The work plan of the Committee is determined following discussions by the Committee on the motions agreed at Conference and takes account of the wider policies of the STUC as a whole.

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The STUC LGBT+ Workers’ Committee carries out a range of work to tackle homophobia and to promote equality for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people in Scotland, both in the workplace and in society. The LGBT+ Workers' Committee is elected at the Annual STUC LGBT+ Workers' Conference to which we send 8 UNISON delegates every year. The motion-based conference determines the priorities of the Committee for the year ahead. 

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Scottish Gvt consultation on ending conversion practices is open, and they would like to hear your views.

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These harmful practices aim to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It is vital that you share your opinions on this barbaric practice. Take part by 2 April 2024 

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It is vital that you share your opinions on this barbaric practice. Take part by 2 April 2024 

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Overview

In the 2022-2023 Programme for Government (PfG), the Scottish Government reaffirmed its commitment to introduce a Bill on ending conversion practices in Scotland, including both sexual orientation and gender identity.

The UK Government committed in its 2018 LGBT Action Plan to end the practice of conversion therapy and published a consultation in October 2021. However, a Bill has not been included in the UK Government's legislative programme 2023-2024.

The Expert Advisory Group on Ending Conversion practices (EAG) was set up in March 2022, to advise the Scottish Government on its approach to ending conversion practices. Its report was published in October 2022.

The Equalities, Human Rights and Civil Justice (EHRCJ) Committee also published a report in January 2022. This report responded to Petition PE1817: "Calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to ban the provision or promotion of LGBT+ conversion therapy in Scotland".

Policy context

The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the rights of everyone in Scotland are respected, protected and fulfilled.

Conversion practices are harmful. They are promoted within an ideology that views LGBTQI+ identities as wrong and believes that they can be changed. This legislation aims to protect people from the harm of conversion practices.

Growing international momentum to tackle conversion practices

Laws on conversion practices have been passed in: Malta, Ecuador, Germany, Spain, France, Greece, Cyprus, Belgium, Iceland, New Zealand, and Canada, as well as several states and territories in Australia, Mexico, and the USA. The Republic of Ireland has also committed to bringing forward legislation to ban conversion practices.

What are conversion practices?

There is no international, universal definition of the term "conversion practices".

The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) on Ending Conversion Practices' defined conversion practices as "any treatment, practice or effort that aims to change, suppress and/or eliminate a person's sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression".

Our specific proposal for defining conversion practices for the purposes of this legislation is set out in Part 4 of our full consultation document.

Read our full consultation document

To see more detailed information about our proposals, we would encourage you to read our full consultation document.

You can also view a summary version, and an easy read version of our consultation document.

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Ending conversion practices in Scotland: consultation

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Find and participate in consultations run by The Scottish Government

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If you have not received these newsletters from your branch we ask that you discuss with your branch LGBT+ officer or communications officer to ask why you have not received regular communications from the committee.

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All archived versions will be accessible on the UNISON Scotland website LGBT+ pages at                                                       https://unison-scotland.org/equalities/unison-scotland-lgbtplus-committee/

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We will publish each of the latest newsletters here for ease of access. If you have a story or article you wish to share with your SOG colleagues feel free to contact us to have it added to the newsletter.

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As a committee we will strive to keep you informed of any ongoing issues in Scotland which we are aware of or have taken action on. We will advise of any upcoming events and conferences and give as much information as we can. We have a variety of information including upcoming dates of LGBT+ importance, and hope to ensure that you are kept up to date with the work we are undertaking on your behalf.

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Please note new admin contact for UNISON Scotland - Joan Millar - j.millar@unison.co.uk

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Aberdeen Branches came together to run another successful pride in grampian. with brightly decorated members, flags and banners to raise visibility.

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Response to consultation on ban of conversion therapy

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Response to consultation on ban of conversion therapy

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We are currently addressing the questionnaire in the Scottish consultation on banning of conversion therapy

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We will be meeting again on the 12th of March to compel our responses in order to ensure that Unison members voices are heard in this important discussion

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It is vital that we are at the forefront of any government consultations, which affect our LGBT plus members. A full ban on all conversion practices was voted for by members at National LGBT plus conference in 2022. This will underpin our responses to the Scottish Government. 

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Your Regional co-conveners and reps to the National committee Have been meeting with staff and officers from UNISON Scotland

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*LGBT+ community in UNISON* Role of branch LGBT+ officers or contacts* Transgender issues in focus* LGBT+ campaigning and organising in your Branch* Where to find support and resources* Sharing success.

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Application forms should be returned to activisteducationscotland@unison.co.uk either signed by a branch officer or forwarded with e-mail authorisation. Please speak to your branch for more details.

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Are you an LGBT+ Branch Officer or contact, or a UNISON LGBT+ member who wants to get more active in your Branch?

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Identify the role of a trans ally and why it’s needed - Explore UNISON’s definition of transgender - Explore what you can do to be a good trans ally - Know where to find resources and support

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Please complete the online application form and return to activist education.

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This short online workshop has been written together with the LGBT+ national self-organised group and trans caucus and is for both UNISON activists and members.

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This training session will help you - Identify the role of a trans ally and why it’s needed - Explore UNISON’s definition of transgender - Explore what you can do to be a good trans ally - Know where to find resources and support

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Application forms should be returned to activisteducationscotland@unison.co.uk either signed by a branch officer or forwarded with e-mail authorisation. Please speak to your branch for more details.

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This short online workshop has been written together with the LGBT+ national self-organised group and trans caucus and is for both UNISON activists and members.

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Every year in October ILGA-Europe hosts its Annual Conference. We are at a moment in history which is complex and is changing the way LGBTI activism happens. As LGBTI people are repeatedly targeted and instrumentalised as scapegoats by anti-democratic and anti-human rights forces, our communities are made more fragile and the work of the LGBTI movement has become even heavier in too many places. And yet amidst these turbulent times, activists continue to find new and successful ways to make political and social change in their countries and in the region. 

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ILGA Europe:- https://ilga-europe.org/                                       ILGA World:- https://ilga.org/

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As an active member of ILGA we strive to attend conference and vote when necessary of matters affecting the organisation and help to shape the work they undertake. Our International work is pivotal in our action plan to further UNISON's LGBT+ agenda across europe and the rest of the world.

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ILGA work for LGBTI people's safety, equality and freedom. In collaboration with and on behalf of over 700 LGBTI member organisations across Europe and Central Asia, we are a driving force for political, legal and social change. 

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Great start to the day followed by a march in blazing sunshine which was very well attended. Then onto the Ayrshire college for the market stalls.

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Great interaction with the public and members alike, with huge interest in our factsheets and model policy which actually sold out.

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Huge thanks to all those who attended and assisted at the stall.

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Brilliant day at Transpride in Kilmarnock kicking off with the UNISON East Ayrshire brunch at the Park Hotel.

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Stuart Cooper addresses attendees giving a rousing speech on equality and the importance of branch support to successful campaigning and events.

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Many thanks to UNISON East Ayrshire Branch for hosting the event. 

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Pride brunch before the event today in the Park Hotel at the Wallace suite.

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Your regional committee delegates are currently attending this years conference raising motions on issues of importance on LGBT+ rights and equality.

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As part of our ongoing campaign for Year of LGBT+ workers, we attended the event providing information and factsheets on LGBT+ equality and gathering information on how officers plan to promote inclusion in their branches.

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The full weekend arranged by activist education seeks to empower new officers build capacity across the union.

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Activists gathered at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel in Clydebank on 18th and 19th May for this years Branch Officers training weekend.

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Lilian said, “I am concerned around the cuts agenda and its impact on the LGBT+ community. This conference for me is particularly important to make and deliver life changing opportunities both here and internationally.

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She added, “We need to speak up for those voices being silenced by the right wing. We have to make sure we are in the room, that politicians are in the room and we see the whites of their eyes, and that members voices are heard in that arena.”

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Lilian Macer STUC President, and UNISON Scottish Secretary addresses STUC LGBT+ workers conference discussing our ambitious STUC agenda and that it is rightly so.

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Grampian branches have always been incredibly successful when feeding into Pride events across the region.

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We look forward to working together to improve visibility and to support our aims and objectives for the year.

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Delighted to address Aberdeen city branch AGM twice today to discuss the year of LGBT+ workers and our plans for the year ahead.

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Another great meeting with interaction and excellent support for this year and plans to arrange sessions with the regional group.

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Great to speak to everyone and share our experiences and plans for the coming months.

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Delighted to address Non Departmental Public Bodies branch meeting to discuss Year of LGBT+ workers.

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North Lanarkshire LG branch training event

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North Lanarkshire LG branch training event

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We had an excellent day of discussion and interaction with activists. Delicates to the training program provided actions that they will take to improve inclusivity in the Branch and workplaces.

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The Branch were very keen to undertake Trans Ally training, and learn more about gender identities and the use of pronouns.

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Delegates were totally engaged in the discussion, and we look forward to working with the Branch to build a self-organised group to increase visibility and engagement. 

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On Friday the 19th of April 2024 we attended a Training event for North Lanarkshire local government branch to provide information on Year of LGBT plus workers and the work of the Scottish LGBT plus committee.

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The motion also called for health branches to work with us to recruit and engage with LGBT+ members at student nurse recruitment and Pride events across Scotland.

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Attending the Scottish Health Conference in Glasgow Central Hotel, Watty Gaffney Co-Convenor moved motion 1 - calling for a Once for Scotland Trans Inclusive policy based on the UNISON model trans policy to be discussed at STAC.

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Delighted to address Scottish Higher Education committee today to discuss our plans for the year. 

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Excellent engagement and solid support from Higher Education branches to address inequality and highlight the need for implementing model policies in our respective organisations.

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Delighted to attend UNISON Scottish Ambulance Service AGM as keynote speaker today to address a dedicated group of activists who embrace equalities and had some great ideas about how to improve LGBT+ equality for their members.

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Lots of questions about our ongoing work plan and also around the Scottish government consultation on the ban on conversion therapy.

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Proud to engage is such interesting discussion and hear first hand how the activists and members in this superb branch are planning to support our workplan.

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Many thanks for the invitation to speak.

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Absolutely delighted to address Grampian Health Aggregate AGM tonight and discuss year of LGBT+ workers and our plan for 2024.

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Excellent interventions from members in attendance and a dedicated team who already feed into pride events in Scotland but who have assured us that they will do more to address inequality for our LGBT+ members.

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Excellent AGM and it was great to hear their plans for this year, and listen to their successes in 2023.

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Proud to address Grampian Health Branch AGM on 5th march to discuss our agenda for 2024.

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Huge discussion around the impact of transphobia and discrimination. How activists will support trans people and take actions to negotiate trans inclusion in their workplaces.

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Trans Ally Training course for Scotland Region run today with great interventions from activists attending.

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A very inspiring branch with excellent plans for the coming year. Powerful speeches by branch leadership. Great to hear the support for our plans this year.

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Delighted to address the members at SDS branch AGM discussing our plans for Year of LGBT+ workers on 5th march.

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Proud to speak to UNISON Scotland Young Members Committee who held an excellent AGM today. The group also undertook Trans Ally training today. Great engagement and positivity. 

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Excellent discussion and interventions on Year of LGBT+ workers and how we can work together to improve engagement with members with intersections.

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Fantastic day of engagement with Scottish Disabled Members Committee at their seminar in UNISON House.

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Forth Valley celebrate LGBT+ History Month

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Forth Valley celebrate LGBT+ History Month

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Wonderful support from colleagues across the region

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Join us in spotlighting the incredible lives and accomplishments of the diverse LGBT+ community throughout February. 🏳️‍🌈 2024 is also UNION's year of the LGBT+ worker!

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UNISON Scotland's LGBT+ group is tirelessly fighting workplace discrimination. 🤝 We've achieved milestones like repealing section 28 and equalizing the age of consent. 🎉 Yet, the journey to true equality is ongoing.

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🌐 If you face workplace issues, reach out to your LGBT+ representatives or equality co-ordinator in your local branch. Not sure how to connect? Find them using the branch finder.

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🌈 February marks LGBT+ History Month - a time to shatter invisibility and revel in the triumphs of our diverse LGBT+ community. 2024 also proudly stands as UNION's year of the LGBT+ worker.

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February is LGBT+ History Month - and 2024 is UNISON's Year of LGBT+ Workers - so what better time to take a few minutes to consider how UNISON has been making history in the fight for LGBT+ equality?

Decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales finally occurred in 1967, while lesbianism had never been illegal. In 1976 NALGO, one of UNISON's founding unions, was urging negotiators to seek to add sexual orientation to non-discrimination clauses in all collective agreements.

In 1981, NUPE member Susan Shell was sacked from her job as a residential care assistant for being a lesbian. While she had the support of her union, the law offered no protection at the time.

Ms Shell's situation - and the lack of protection - saw NUPE affiliate to the Labour Campaign for Lesbian and Gay Rights, becoming the first trade union to do so.

Also in 1981, decriminalisation finally arrived in Scotland and, 12 months later, in Northern Ireland.

Marching on the Isle of Man

Fast forward to 1983 and NALGO's annual conference in Douglas, on the Isle of Man. On the island, a British Crown dependency, homosexuality was still a criminal offence. At the conference, many delegates wore stickers saying: 'Glad to be gay in Douglas' and 'Gay OK' and, on the Thursday, some 300 delegates marched along the promenade and through the main shopping centre to deliver a petition to the government building, calling for gay rights.

The Isle of Man finally caught up with the march of progress in 1991.

In the meantime, in 1985, the Labour Party conference included a vote on whether to include lesbian and gay rights in its manifesto. Campaigners were on edge, but they knew that, as well as the support of the National Union of Mineworkers - in the wake of the events during the miners' strike that are portrayed in the film Pride - their only other guaranteed support would come from NALGO and NUPE.

The vote passed and campaigning moved to the next stage.
COHSE joins the struggle
In 1987, COHSE joined the fight, passing a resolution at its conference to support equal opportunities for gay men and lesbians "at work and in the trade union and labour movement".

UNISON's constituent unions continued working around lesbian and gay equality throughout the 1980s - not least against Clause 28 of the Local Government Act, which is also known as Section 28.

It was finally repealed in Scotland in 2000, in England and Wales in 2003 and in the Isle of Man in 2006 (it never applied in Northern Ireland). No case had ever been brought under the legislation, but it caused a climate of censorship, confusion and fear, a loss of funding and support to organisations, and contributed to the struggles of lesbian and gay people.

Inclusivity is our name

In 1990, The Voice newspaper published a series of articles, attacking and ridiculing Black lesbians and gay men.

Activists from NALGO formed Black Lesbians and Gay Men against Media Homophobia and, with the union's help, launched a successful campaign to persuade public service employers not to advertise jobs in the paper.

The boycott was lifted when the paper's directors met with campaigners and NALGO reps, and agreed to a full-page right of reply, improved representation for Black lesbians and gay men and a comprehensive equalities policy for its own staff.
Making more history
In 1991 NALGO elected Mike Blick as president - the first openly LGBT+ trade union leader in the UK.

In 2005, eight years after COHSE, NALGO and NUPE had founded UNISON, the union took the historic vote that created the LGBT group, including bisexual and transgender members in our self-organisation. In the same year, the union was recognised as bi-inclusive by BiCon, the UK's national conference for bisexual people.

But nobody has been resting on their laurels.

Cover star Phillippa Scrafton

In 2013, Phillippa Scrafton was elected as the national LGBT committee's first out trans chairperson (two years later, she was the cover star of U magazine, which went out to every one of the union's then 1.3 million members) and Maureen Le Marinel became the union's first out gay president.

Adding the 'plus'

And let's not forget 2019, when activists won unanimous support at national delegate conference to change the group's name to LGBT+, making us even more inclusive.

Since then, our successful trans equality campaign has seen over 3,000 UNISON members trained to be a good trans ally, while over 30 workplaces have adopted the union's trans equality model policy.

The work goes on - providing support for LGBT+ members across the union.
Resources and further reading
Everyone who is not themselves trans can be a 'trans ally.' And UNISON has produced guidance to help you do that - and you can find it here.

You can find a checklist here of workplace policies for LGBT+ inclusion.

If you're interested in reading more, Peter Purton's Champions of Equality: Trade unions and LGBT rights in Britain, looks at the wider union work on LGBT+ rights, but of course the book includes UNISON - with mentions for both then UNISON national officer Carola Towle, and also Phillippa Scrafton. It's published by Lawrence & Wishart.

For more about the role of LGBT+ activists in the miners' strike, not only is there the film Pride, but also the book, Pride: The unlikely story of the unsung heroes of the miners' strike, by Tim Tate, with LGSM (Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners), published by John Blake.

Paul Baker has penned an excellent, really accessible history, The story of Section 28 and Britain's battle for LGBT education, which not only illustrates the impact of the legislation, but also the rhetoric used in media and by politicians about LGBT+ people. It's published by Reaktion Books.

* This article was originally published in February 2020, but has been updated and amended for February 2024.

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A union that keeps making LGBT+ history | Article, News | News | UNISON National

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It's LGBT History Month, so there's no better time to explore UNISON's contribution to the struggle for equality

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Launch of Year of LGBT+ workers at Scottish Council

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Launch of Year of LGBT+ workers at Scottish Council

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We look forward to working with branches and regional committees to ensure a highly visible presence at pride events across Scotland and to provide a full year of events, seminars, celebrations and commemorations of days of importance in the LGBT+ calendar.

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Let’s make this a year of great partnership working, embedding model equality policies with employers and creating safe spaces and better working environments for all our LGBT+ members and create a lasting legacy.

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We were delighted to launch Year of LGBT+ workers officially at Scottish Council today from our extremely busy Policy Forum in Clydebank. Both motions we submitted were fully supported. 

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Huge plans from conference actions alongside a well developed Year of LGBT+  workers plan of events.

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Let’s make 2024 a huge success for our LGBT+ members, addressing our intersections, embedding LGBT+ equality in employers policies, and work together to improve society and workplaces.

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Another extremely successful day at UNISON Scotland LGBT+ Policy forum, setting our action plan and agenda for 2024. 

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We lit a candle tonight at 8pm to light the darkness in memory of those who were horrifically taken, and those who continue to fight for their freedom.

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UNISON Scotland LGBT+ committee solemnly commemorate the loss of thousands of LGBT+ individuals during the holocaust and subsequent atrocities at an event in Glasgow City Centre this evening.

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Communications and Campaigns policy forum 

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Communications and Campaigns policy forum 

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To celebrate Year of LGBT+ workers we had a soft launch in January whilst giving an update for the equality agenda.

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We were delighted to stand united in solidarity with the LGBT+ campaign as it hits the ground running.

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As part of our ongoing work in the communications and campaigns committee we meet yearly to discuss our policy and action plans for the year ahead.

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UNISON Scotland and Ayrshire branches coming together to make a hugely successful highly visible presence.

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Hundreds of young people and families all hugely interested in UNISON. 

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Heres to another important Pride event of which UNISON is proudly a main sponsor.

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Arran Pride you have been amazing. Great parade, fabulous market stalls. Family friendly and a great atmosphere.