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Proud at Pride - campaigning for LGBT rights

1 July 2008

PCS Proud is once again making its mark at the TUC LGBT conference and at London Pride celebrations this week. We speak to Jeff Grist, chair of Proud.

Proud, the forum for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans PCS members has been in existence for many years in one form or another, within PCS and its predecessor unions and has maintained a very good reputation as being in the forefront on campaigning on LGBT issues.

Jeff Grist, chair of PCS Proud

Jeff Grist (centre) chair of PCS Proud with other Proud delegates to the TUC LGBT conference

This year a delegation of 12 PCS members will be attending the TUC LGBT conference. The delegation was elected at the Proud annual general meeting last September.

What does Proud do?

“We have played an active and proactive part in securing legal recognition as well as provide numerous individuals with support and advice, both in their own development and in challenging discrimination in their workplaces,” says Jeff, chair of Proud who will be attending this week.

“For as many years as I can remember, there have been Proud initiated motions at branch, group and national conferences, this year was no different.

"We believe that we should be take responsibility for our issues, progressing them through the PCS democratic structures.”

Promoting LGBT rights

The TUC LGBT conference is the largest gathering of LGBT trade union activists in the country and probably the largest in Europe.

It’s been a springboard for unions to lead the way in promoting LGBT rights at home and abroad, but as Jeff points out there is still a long way to go:

“Although there has been much improvement in legal protection in recent years, the reality is that society and perception has not changed at the same rate, and individuals are still discriminated against, violated and living in fear because of who they are.”

“It is important to raise the profile of our issues and be visible. This year is very important as we have a conservative Mayor of London, it will be interesting to see the level of involvement from now on.”

Challenging HIV discrimination

This year Proud is putting a motion to the conference to challenge the discriminatory travel ban on people living with HIV which is particularly aimed at the USA.

At present people living with HIV are forbidden to travel to the US without special dispensation, which is rarely granted.

No other medical condition is treated in the same discriminatory way. Proud is spearheading a campaign to call on the TUC to challenge this ban.

“The USA is a country proud of its work on Aids in Africa, but a country with an unnecessary and discriminatory policy on HIV for anyone wishing to enter the country", says Jeff.

“The TUC has a very good reputation on equality issues and will be able to put pressure on our government directly and by supporting other campaigning groups fighting to put pressure on the USA to amend its outdated policy on this issue.”

Proud at Pride

Trade union banners are prominent each year in the London Pride march and this year will be no different. Jeff tells to watch out for the pink t-shirts:

“PCS Proud will be marching with the other TUC unions, easily identified by the rather fetching pink TUC pride t-shirts. We also have a PCS stall in Trafalgar Square.

“I am expecting people to have a great day, but more importantly, Pride has regained its political purpose over recent years, so I am hoping that the event will further raise awareness of issues and the work we still have to do to ensure true equality and respect.”

Getting involved with Proud

We are proud to be a member led union and Proud is always looking for people to get involved, so we asked Jeff if he had any advice for people wanting to get involved:

“Just do it!” he says, “it was the best thing I've ever done.

“Not only did it give me opportunities to develop as an individual, it helped in me in my career progression - and I am not alone, many of my Proud friends will
say the same.

“Proud is there for our LGBT brothers and sisters, whatever their needs - we can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to get as involved as they like.

“It is not all about campaigning, we offer excellent training, developmental, networking and social opportunities - something many of our isolated members have found to be of great benefit.”

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