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UNISON L&G News for the West
Midlands
May 2004
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(click on the links below for the article you'd like to read) Changes, Changes, and more Changes Motion to Conference Could Mean a Big Change
Changes, Changes, and more Changes There are many changes to report in this edition of your newsletter, but first of all let us begin with the ones close to home. Geoff and Matt are our new job-share convenors. After a spell without convenors for our group it is great to have two enthusiastic activists on board who are already taking the lead with the group. Want to meet them and find out more about the group, or just come along and say hello? Why not look us up at Birmingham Pride on May 30th in the community stalls area or on June 13th at Wolverhampton Pride? The group is open to any UNISON members from the West Midlands who define as lesbian or gay (this will probably change in June - read more about these changes inside the newsletter). If you think you might be interested in getting further involved then Pride could be a starting point for you to find out more about the role of the group. If you can’t get to Pride but want to know more then please ring Anita Whitington on 0121 685 4200 and she will put you in touch with one of the convenors. We would also welcome any volunteers on the day, willing to come along and help out for a while. From 1st December 2003 lesbian, gay and bisexual people have been protected by law from being discriminated against at work. Our union is committed to ensuring these regulations make a real difference to our members’ working lives, so do report instances of discrimination at work. If you want advice for yourself, or on how to best represent a member in a case which has arisen as a result of the new legislative changes then call UNISON direct on 0845 355 0845.
Motion to Conference Could Mean a Big Change Lesbian and Gay Self-Organisation could be a thing of the past if a motion to this year’s National Delegates’ Conference is passed. But, don’t panic, this is not some crazy homophobe trying to take away our voice. Following many debates at various lesbian and gay conferences, and discussions in regions and branches, a motion was passed by last year’s lesbian and gay conference calling for a rule change. If passed, the structures inplace for Lesbian and Gay Self-Organisation would be used for a new self-organised group; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Self-Organised Group. Of course, becoming LGBT is not simply about a name change. It is about involving and including people who are bisexual and transgendered. We will then all work together on our shared goal of equality. Although the experiences of different people within the self organised group may at times feel varied, we expect there to be a core of common ground. So, let’s hope that the motion is carried and we can begin working together as soon as possible. National Delegates’ Conference is in June and we will send out a mailing to let you know the outcome as soon as we can. If the motion is passed, then, as a starting point, we will be looking to expand our mailing list, and seek new committee members. So, in the mean-time, if you have ideas about how we can get bisexual and transgendered people involved, please drop us a line at the Regional Office at 24 Livery Street, Birmingham. B3 2PA.
There will be local and European Elections on June 10th. The BNP are planning to field 600 candidates in the local elections. As lesbians and gay men, we know the level of prejudice which is the basis of the BNP, and giving power to back such attitudes is a dangerous thing. The threat of the BNP gaining seats in these coming elections is further exasperated by apathy. Sadly, many people fail to vote in General Elections in this country, and even more stay at home when local councillors and representatives to Brussels are being elected. What can you do? Firstly, do use your vote. It sounds so simple, but exercising your democratic right is very important if we are to keep the lion from the door. If you can spare time, or can find the time, why not be more pro-active? Ever thought "I wish I had done more, next time I will"? Ever thought "maybe one day I will get involved"? Now is the time ... contact Tony Rabaotti at the Regional Office on 0121 685 3135 who is co-ordinating leafletting and door-knocking in key seats in our region.
Not met me before? My name is Oscar and I am a border collie. I like to use my column to put you humans straight (not literally, obviously) on facts of existence. As we are heading towards the summer, for many of you holiday time is approaching ... in the interests of peace and harmony, start to make your plans now.
Hereford and Worcestershire Sadly the group’s co-ordinator is currently unwell, hope you feel much better soon Sandie. If you want to meet other members from either Branch please contact the regional office (details below) and we will put you in touch with other members. Solihull Solihull Local Government Branch has established a new L&G group. Want to get involved or find out more? contact Matt 0781 508 0861 or Geoff 0797 413 1966 or by e-mail solihull_lg@hotmail.com Stoke On Trent The group meets at the Piccadilly Centre, 57-59 Piccadilly, Stoke on Trent. For further information and to find out the next meeting time please contact Martin Bristow on 01782 235147 or e-mail martin.bristow@swann.stoke.gov.uk. Wolverhampton Group meetings are held at “The Tomb”, 77 Darlingtons Street on the first Tuesday of every month at 8.00pm. They are timetabled to follow LGBT Wolverhampton’s monthly meeting. This initiative is open to all local LGB&T people and has several UNISON members taking part. The Branch is actively involved with the City Council on developing proposals to implement the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations. The opinions expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of UNISON or any of its officers.
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