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L.G.B.T Report 2006

Monday, 19 February 2007
 Dean Brewster

Branch LGBT Officer BRANCH LGBT OFFICER’S REPORT 2006

 This is currently my second year in post as UNISON’s LGBT Officer.  Throughout the year I have positively and pro-actively campaigned and contributed to change on the gay frontline, for equality and recognition. It has been a busy year for LGBT issues within UNISON: - 
  • Attending Regional SOG meetings in Leeds.
  • Attended the second LGBT Conference in Manchester this year.
  • This February, Rotherham contributed to the LGBT Gay History month for the first time ever.
  • Regional support and the donation of £1000 to the York Lesbian Arts Festival.
 There is still so much to be done with regards to ‘eliminating and challenging derogatory, discriminatory, prejudicial behaviour and ignorant attitudes’, through awareness raising, education, networking and multi-agency fronted approaches. 2007 is going to be an interesting year – see the following: - 
  • New regulations will be introduced, appertaining to the ‘Goods Facilities and Services Act’, which will end discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
  • A South Yorkshire Pride event in Sheffield.
  • The introduction of the General Equality Duty.
  • Promoting the ‘Charter for Change – a public services agenda for LGBT people’, to be forwarded and raised at the 2007 National Delegate Conference.
  • The push for full recognition in Civil Partnership Rights.
  • Tackling/challenging homophobia in schools, through the DfES Advisory Group, due to go live in Spring.
  • Pursuing the issue of donating blood, through the NBS (National Blood Service) Health Conference and the National Delegate Conference.
  • LGBT Gay History month, through England in February.
  • Promoting the ‘We’re here to Change the World LGBT Campaign Guide’, from the National LGBT Committee.