UNISON Local Government Conference agreed to give its full backing to the upcoming rule change at UNISON’s National Conference to change the name of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender LGBT self organised group to LGBT +, to make it more inclusive. The motion also calls UNISON to promote inclusive language, practices and procedures across local government workplaces.
Michael Richardson, City of Edinburgh, supported the motion, and said: “This makes the group, and therefore UNISON, more inclusive by stating clearly that we welcome all those who self-identify as part of the LGBT+ community.”
Michael highlighted “It’s quite fitting that this is Pride month, a time when my community celebrates love in all of its forms. We get to show the world who we are and who we love – for some people, the Pride marches are the only time we don’t need to hide behind a mask.”
He pointed out that Next Friday, June 28th, marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, widely acknowledged and accepted as the birthplace of the modern LGBT+ rights movement. He said: “Over the last 50 years, we have stood side by side as we fought many battles including the AIDS epidemic, the disgraceful introduction of section 28, and its subsequent repeal, and the campaign for equal marriage. These battles have largely been won but we face new and different challenges today.”
“Our trans siblings are being attacked with the same arguments used against gay men and lesbians in the 80s and 90s. The Sultan of Brunei recently implemented the death penalty for homosexuality endangering members of the lgbt+ community.”
He highlighted an awful attack on two young women on a London bus whilst on their way home from a date simply because they wouldn’t kiss on demand for a group of male teens. “Their night ended in bruised faces and bloodied clothes. Why? Because of who they are. Every single person deserves to be true to themselves and to live their best life.”