Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans+

LGBT+ equality in the workplace continues to be hard fought for. Join Unite and Unite Equalities today and help us win equality in your workplace. Many LGBT+ workers face harassment and discrimination based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.

Unite Equalities is raising awareness and campaigning for LGBT+ equality, and encouraging LGBT+ workers to join Unite and become active in the union.

Joint Statement from the National Women’s & LGBT+ Committees – 16th June 2025

Today representatives of the National LGBT+ and Women’s committees met to continue our discussions regarding the Supreme Court ruling on the FWS vs Scottish Government case, and the consultation currently being undertaken by the EHRC, the statutory body for upholding the Equality Act.

We have been speaking to and hearing from women and trans members in a broad spectrum of workplaces, across the UK, gathering evidence and feedback about members’ feelings and experiences following the ruling.

We understand the fear and uncertainty that this ruling has created for some workers, and we want to reassure our women & trans members that Unite The Union will always fight for the rights for all workers, both in and out of the workplace. If you are experiencing any harassment or discrimination following the ruling, please contact your branch or workplace representatives who will be able to help.

To the trans community; you will always have a home in our union. We will always fight for you, and together we will succeed.

Unite the union celebrating Pride season

During Pride month, check your equality policies in your workplace to ensure they are relevant and inclusive. Review policy, provide feedback to your senior rep or HR and champion change.

Love Unites! Read the latest UNITElive comment on Pride 2025

UK Plummets to 22nd in European LGBT+ Rights Ranking – Unite Demands Government Action and Member Solidarity, 15 May 2025 > Read more

Unite the union today expressed concern over the latest ILGA Europe Rainbow Map, which indicates the United Kingdom has fallen to 22nd place out of 49 European countries for LGBT+ legal and policy equality. This represents a notable drop of 6 places in one year and is the UK’s lowest ranking since the index began. A decade ago, in 2015, the UK held the top position, highlighting a significant shift in rights under successive governments.

The annual Rainbow Map, published by ILGA Europe, is a key independent analysis of the human rights situation for LGBT+ people across the continent. It evaluates countries based on 76 criteria covering essential areas such as equality and non-discrimination, family rights, protection from hate crime and hate speech, legal gender recognition, intersex bodily integrity, civil society space, and asylum.

The decline in the UK’s standing is attributed to several factors. The ILGA Europe report mentions the UK Supreme Court ruling which interpreted the definition of “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 based on “biological sex”. The ruling is noted in the report in the context of legal gender recognition for trans individuals. The ILGA Europe report also points to ongoing challenges in adequately addressing hate crime and hate speech, and a need for greater legal protections for intersex people.

Phil Jones, Chair of Unite’s National LGBT+ committee, commented: “This is not just a statistic; it’s an indicator of the direction the UK is heading regarding LGBT+ rights. To fall from leading Europe to 22nd place in a decade, now grouped with countries openly attacking LGBT+ rights, is shameful. It makes life harder, more precarious, and less safe for our LGBT+ members and working people across the country.”

“The government’s rhetoric on equality is exposed as hollow when measured against the reality of discriminatory laws and policies, or the lack of progress on vital issues like trans rights, hate crime, and intersex equality. The Supreme Court’s interpretation is a factor considered in discussions about legal certainty and protections for trans people.”

Unite the union has a long-standing commitment to fighting for equality for all. The union stands in solidarity with its LGBT+ members and the wider community facing increased hostility and the erosion of rights.

“Unite will continue to stand with our LGBT+ members and campaign vigorously for a UK where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, free from discrimination and prejudice,” Phil added. “We urge the government to consider this critical report, review current policies, and take urgent steps to implement legislation that delivers full equality for all LGBT+ people.”

Unite encourages all members to stand in solidarity and get involved in the union’s equalities work. By working together, we can push back against this trend and fight for a genuinely equal society.

ENDS

The ILGA Europe Rainbow Map 2025 can be found at https://rainbowmap.ilga-europe.org.

Unite the union National LGBT+ Committee Stands with the Trans Community
17 April 2025
Unite the Union’s National LGBT+ committee is deeply concerned by the judgement issued by the UK Supreme Court in the case of FWS vs the Scottish Government.

We will be taking some time to look at the decision in full, especially where the ruling could create legal uncertainty and discrimination in employment, education, health services etc.

We will issue further statements as appropriate.

We would like to take this opportunity to send a message of solidarity and comradeship to the trans community, many of whom will be experiencing fear and uncertainty in what lies ahead.

But be assured you are seen; you are loved and you are not alone.

Unite the union will always stand with you.

Celebrating LGBT+ history month

LGBT+ History Month – February

In the UK LGBT+ history month takes place every February. The month aims to raise awareness of the LGBT+ community and to challenge prejudice in all its forms.

LGBT+ history month focuses on the celebration and recognition of LGBT+ people and culture; past and present to give people scope to talk about the bigger picture of LGBT+ experience, in which LGBT+ people were the agents of change not just victims of prejudice.

The trade union movement has ensured February is established as LGBT+ history month to celebrate LGBT+ people’s achievements and their continued struggle for equality at work and in society. Take action this February and celebrate the LGBT+ community.

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Betty Gallacher book launch

Standing Up For Workers - A conversation with former bus worker, LGBT+ and community activist Betty Gallacher
[February 2021]

Contact Unite Equalities

Get in touch with the Unite Equalities team where you are .

Celebrate #IDAHoBIT

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Brianna Ghey: Our deepest heartfelt condolences
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