I have been an Equalities Officer for my branch since 2019. I have been involved with Unite’s LGBT+ Committee since 2018. I believe we need to campaign and work towards equality for all, because otherwise, why are we in a union at all? Many of us choose to sit back and not worry about what is happening in our work-places or in our country of residence. Some of us choose instead to take action and want to persuade others to see why equity is important.
When I became an activist, LGBT+ people were experiencing greater signs of acceptance- it has always been a struggle, but it was beginning to feel easier and safer to come out. Gender recognition reform was one of the key aims of the Scottish Government – however the downside to this reform proposal was the backlash - the right-wing rhetoric started to spin up and trans people were used as political collateral, dehumanising them in the process, with a toxic effect across social and mainstream media.
Without unions taking a stance, there would be very few people defending the Trans or LGBT+ community. As trade unionists, we also stand up and defend disabled people, people of colour, women and other minorities, both in the UK and internationally.
When we look at some of the laws that Unions have fought for and managed to bring in; shorter working weeks, holiday pay, weekends off, we realise that there are many amazing people who have been activists for different unions and they have created success. We look forward now and see that there are many fights to still be won in a world that is becoming more-right wing in its thinking as the days and weeks go on. In the UK we can see this with the rise of the Reform Party who are doing what has always been done to win votes, blame someone else other than the governments. They play on people’s fears and we have to stand firm and try and change the narrative where we can. I am worried about what is happening here and abroad - we all remember what happened in the 1920’s/30’s and do not want to see that happen again where LGBT+ people will be in the firing line once more.
Together we can stand up against this rhetoric and do our upmost to be the conscience of governments and workplaces. I plan on being there and being a voice loud and proud. I will speak to whomever I have to, I will be someone that is seen and heard, as I cannot leave it to others. Thank you for reading and solidarity to you all comrades.
Sarah Krasewitz, She/Her, Unite the Union and Vice Chair of the STUC LGBT+ Workers Committee
