UNISON LGBT | Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members

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Out in UNISON is our regular newsletter for members. It can be direct mailed to any member - just add your name to our confidential mailing list.
For the latest issue of Out in UNISON see documents.

Getting involved
Come along to your regional group to find out about events and get involved in organising for the future. The region can support you in setting up or reinvigorating a group in your branch. It will put you in touch with other members who share your concerns.
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Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are still denied equality in the workplace - too often we face discrimination and harassment instead of a fair deal. Joining UNISON gives you a voice in Britain's biggest union, which is committed to working for LGBT rights.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members organise locally and nationally to support each other, to identify and challenge discrimination, to increase awareness of LGBT rights and to campaign for change. Every year we organise a national conference, This year's conference takes place Fri 20 - Sun 22 November at the Cardiff City Hall. Conferences 2009

What we're doing now

Council appeal over discrimination ruling succeeds

(19/12/08) UNISON has welcomed the news that Islington council has won its appeal against a ruling that it discriminated against a Christian registrar who refused to conduct civil partnerships. Lillian Ladele had said that she could not carry out same-sex ceremonies "as a matter of religious conscience". But the employment appeal tribunal upheld the authority's appeal, ruling that the earlier tribunal had "erred in law" and that there was no basis for concluding that any "discrimination had been established".

Have you been harassed when using services?

(4 December 2008) We are looking for examples from people who have been harassed on grounds of their sexual orientation by people providing services - public or private. We want examples so we can argue for stronger legal protection. All cases will be made completely anonymous. If you have an example - either yourself or something you've witnessed - email us at out@unison.co.uk

Combating transphobic bullying in schools

(21 November 2008) New guidance for schools has been published on tackling transphobic bullying. Commissioned by the Home Office, the toolkit contains guidance on effective ways to support and protect transgender pupils and staff. Education unions, including UNISON, were consulted on the draft guidance. Read it at http://www.gires.org.uk/transbullying.php

Transgender remembrance day

(20 November 2008) This year is the 10th anniversary of the day first set aside in 1998 to remember those killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. There is a US hosted website at www.rememberingourdead.org . UNISON is marking the day by redoubling our efforts to build a society where all can live, work and move in safety and with dignity and respect.

UNISON legal services survey

(20 November 2008) UNISON is surveying LGB members to find out if a more confidential route for seeking legal advice about sexual orientation discrimination would encourage members to take action against discrimination. Whether or not you’ve experienced workplace discrimination, please complete the survey at http://surveys.unison.co.uk/login.asp?survey=referral_process

No excuses for inequality, says LGBT conference

(17 November 08) UNISON will not accept any attempt by employers and the government to use the recession as an excuse to put equalities issues on the back burner, agreed delegates to last weekend's UNISON LGBT conference. UNISON has a proud history of working for equality, and our three-day LGBT conference in Bristol brought together more than 250 LGBT members from all over the UK to discuss how to take that work forward.

Marcus Morgan addresses UNISON LGBT conference

(17 November 2008) Bi activist Marcus Morgan was one of the keynote speakers at this year's UNISON LGBT conference. Other speakers were UNISON president Sue Highton; Deputy General Secretary Keith Sonnet; and Ceri Goddard, Director of the British Institute of Human Rights. UNISON's Liane Venner briefed members on UNISON's campaign for improved equality legislation. You can read Marcus' speech at http://adjectivemarcus.livejournal.com/446186.html

UNISON LGBT conference opens in Bristol

(12 November 2008) UNISON’s 2008 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members conference takes place in Bristol this weekend. Over 250 LGBT members are travelling from all over the UK to discuss how to take forward the union’s work for LGBT equality.

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CONTACT DETAILS
• For urgent help and advice at work go to Help at Work.
• UNISON's national officer (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality) is Carola Towle.
UNISON
1 Mabledon Place
London WC1H 9AJ
Email: out@unison.co.uk

2008 LGBT Conference Record of Decisions

Record of decisions from the 2008 National LGBT Conference held on 14 - 16 November 2008
Link to a PDF document on this site

Acrobat PDF (160069 bytes)

Introductory guide for reps supporting trans members

Accessible guide for workplace reps in supporting trans members. Essential reading, whether or not you currently have members needing support. Includes background and information on the law, workplace rights and good practice.
Link to a PDF document on this site

Acrobat PDF (591772 bytes)

Out in UNISON 36 - winter 2008/9

Newsletter on LGBT equality in UNISON. This issue includes legal services survey; recruiting LGBT migrant workers; addressing biphobia; education materials and much more.
Link to a PDF document on this site

Acrobat PDF (3869745 bytes)

Forum News

First newsletter of the Forum for Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Equality in Post School Education - news, training, events and publications. UNISON is a founder member of the Forum.
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Acrobat PDF (150126 bytes)

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