LGBT Conference 07

Well I'm blogging from the Airport on my way back from Glasgow and UNISON's National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Members Conference, the annual gathering of LGBT members from across the union to set the agenda for the next year's LGBT Group activity. I attended the conference as a delegate from the National Young Members Forum.

I have to say (as I promised Louise I would on my blog) that the highlight of the weekend was finding out that the actor that played Alf Stuart (the very macho husband to Elsa in Home & Away) is an out gay man, and whats more does a lot of work with the trade unions on LGBT rights.

It was also an interesting conference for coming together and agreeing our policy on issues that LGBT members care about. We were completely united on what we want to achieve, the contention came at times about how to achieve it. In a rare occurrence for UNISON conferences, or most conferences, we completed all the business and even finished a little early.

There was also some unjustified criticism of the National Executive Council, which seemed to stem from someone getting some very dodgy information from somewhere. The NEC was accused of blocking work on blood donation and gay/bi men, which is an issue I really care about but, especially as I sit on the policy committee, can't see how the NEC has been stopping it. I did try and find out where this came from unsuccessfully, if disinformation is there it needs to be challenged.

I'm glad to say that the conference adopted our motion on recruiting and organising young LGBT workers, with some helpful amendments. And also adopted an amendment to the conferences standing orders allowing the NYMF to submit amendments as well as motions.

As with any UNISON event, a key and enjoyable part of the event was the social activities. Friday night started with a Civic Reception thanks to Glasgow Council, where there was a music from a choir (though lovely there was a bit of tension between those that wanted to talk and those that wanted to listen) and then off for a lovely buffet and karaoke at Glasgow's LGBT Centre before dancing to the wee hours at a local club. Saturday I was delighted to join the Eastern Region for a lovely meal with some enlightening conversation and then plenty of drinking followed by some impromptu singing (though sadly between us and international guests we couldn't remember the words to the Internationale, shame on us).

I have really enjoyed the weekend and it was enlightening to see the workings of the LGBT group, I'm sure I'll be back.