UNISON fights discrimination and prejudice in the workplace on behalf of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT+) members. We work together in local and national groups of LGBT+ members to campaign and provide support for our members.
UNISON’s LGBT+ Self-Organised Group Committee has agreed to hold a LGBT+ Self-Organised Group Conference on Friday 21st November to Sunday 23rd November 2025. Please contact the branch if you’re interested in attending, the deadline for registration is Thursday 4th September 2025 at 12pm.
Please see below for a look back at UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ workers:
2024: The year of LGBT+ workers!
Inspired very much by the year of disabled workers in 2022 and the year of Black workers in 2023, UNISON’S National Delegate Conference voted to make 2024 the year of LGBT+ Workers. UNISON has for many years worked hard to raise the profile of the achievements of our LGBT+ workers through the union and in our workplaces. We have many things to be proud of including the repeal of section 28, equalisation of the age of consent, and the introduction of civil partnerships and marriage for LGBT+ people. But we are also aware that there is a long way to go to achieve true equality. We know that people still struggle to come out in their workplaces and beyond even now and that some have an agenda to systematically remove LGBT+ rights. This coming year will provide the opportunity to promote UNISON as the union for LGBT+ workers, raise awareness of LGBT+ rights throughout the union, challenge discrimination in the workplace and society, and recruit and grow the LGBT+ activists of the future.
Marshall Savage, an activist from Tower Hamlets UNISON attended the 2024 LGBT+ conference and wrote the below article describing their time at conference.
Unison LGBT+ Conference: Inspiring Moments, New Connections, and the Power of Community
This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending the Unison LGBT+ Conference in breath-taking Edinburgh, Scotland. The event was not just a gathering of brilliant minds and passionate activists; it was a powerful reminder of why our fight for equality, visibility, and representation matters so deeply. Surrounded by friends, colleagues, and allies from across the UK, we came together to discuss policies and motions that impact every corner of our community, knowing that the work we do today will shape our future.
This year is particularly significant as it marks Unison’s Year of the LGBT+, a celebration of the progress we’ve made, the strength of our community, and a call to push harder than ever for LGBT+ rights. Unison’s commitment to making 2024 a dedicated year for LGBT+ advocacy was felt in every discussion and action at the conference, reminding us that our union stands solidly by our side in the fight for equal rights and respect.
One highlight for me was having the chance to speak on motions alongside my colleague Anna Finch-Smith, both of us advocating for motions to support the LGBT+ community. We passionately addressed issues that matter most to us, recognising the importance of our voices in building a more inclusive society. Both Anna and I are huge fans of Doctor Who, and it felt incredibly fitting to discover this shared passion in Scotland, a place that has given us some of the best “Doctors” over the years. This shared moment of fandom added a special touch to the experience, reminding me how connections can flourish in moments of unity and purpose.
Edinburgh, arguably the most beautiful city in the UK, provided a stunning backdrop for the conference. Walking through its historic streets, I was struck by the sense of strength and resilience embodied by both the city and our community. The conference wasn’t just about policies; it was about finding support, building connections, and sharing moments of joy and solidarity. Meeting people from the Greater London Region, among others, left me feeling grateful for how genuinely supportive everyone was. When we stand together, we amplify each other’s voices—and that was powerfully felt in every corner of the conference hall.
The weekend was also an emotional time for reflection, as it coincided with Remembrance Sunday. Taking a moment to honour those we’ve lost added a depth of meaning to our gathering, reminding us of the generations who fought for the rights we have today and those we continue to defend.
This gathering took place just as we face an uncertain period globally, with the US election on the back of our minds. For many, it may feel like a dark time is looming, but as the Doctor wisely says: “These are the dark times. But they don’t sustain. Darkness never sustains even though sometimes it feels like it might.” Together, we are creating the light that will outlast these times.
What truly took me by surprise was the profound sense of belonging I felt throughout the conference. Growing up, I never had a community like this, and I hadn’t realised how much it would mean to me to find one. Being welcomed so warmly and knowing I was surrounded by people who understood me on such a deep level was emotional; it brought tears to my eyes to see just how many of us are out there, ready to support one another. In those moments, I knew I wasn’t alone—and the power of that realisation is something I’ll carry with me forever.
In the end, this conference reinforced that our community is stronger when we come together. With Unison’s Year of the LGBT+ as our rallying point, we return to our daily lives with renewed energy, inspired to keep pushing for the rights and equality we all deserve. We’ll keep fighting, not just for ourselves, but for each other—and for a future that values every voice.
