LGBT+ members group

Get involved with our growing network of active LGBT+ members in branches and regions across the union 

UNISON members in a large group

Help us amplify LGBT+ voices across the union


UNISON fights discrimination and prejudice in the workplace on behalf of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender plus (LGBT+) members.

We do this by building local and national groups of LGBT+ members, negotiating with employers and offering individual support to anyone experiencing discrimination. We also provide access to practical advice and legal information.

As a member of UNISON, you have the support and guidance of thousands of other LGBT+ members, who face the same workplace challenges as you. Our member group meets locally and nationally to:

  • recruit LGBT+ workers into the union and encourage them to get involved;
  • build our network of LGBT+ groups;
  • support individual members;
  • identify and challenge discrimination, informing the union’s negotiations with employers;
  • defend and promote LGBT+ public services;
  • campaign for equality.

You can find out about meetings and events through your regional group, who can also put you in touch with other people who share your concerns.

UNISON also observes LGBT+ History Month every February, which aims to end invisibility and celebrate the lives and achievements of the diverse LGBT+ community. It's a chance to remind us of what we have accomplished so far, and recommit to campaigns ahead.

Our LGBT+ members

We organise as an LGBT+ group because we believe we are stronger together. But bi+ and trans, non-binary and gender diverse members also meet as distinctive groups within the LGBT+ group to make sure their issues are identified and heard. This is also the case for Black and disabled LGBT+ members. 

I get to connect with LGBT+ members, challenge inequality, campaign for change, bargain for workplace rights, support members and influence policy...
Louise Ashworth
Co-chair, LGBT+ Committee
Getting involved helps build confidence and strengthens skills, and be part of a community.  We share good and not-so-good stories and speak out against discrimination
Louise Ashworth
Co-chair, LGBT+ Committee
Being part of UNISON’s LGBT+ self-organised group means solidarity, visibility and power. It creates a space where members can organise, challenge discrimination and shape our union...
Eileen Best
Co-chair, LGBT+ Committee
Together we turn lived experience into collective action, ensuring LGBT+ workers are heard, protected and feel confident to stand up for equality in workplaces
Eileen Best
Co-chair, LGBT+ Committee
Flag with rainbow colours
unison members at campaign rally
Get involved

Join our LGBT+ members group

Connect with other LGBT+ members and participate in your self-organised group at branch, regional and national level

Find out more

Related topics

Other ways to support LGBT+ members in the union

Planning Pride

Pride events are a highlight of UNISON’s calendar. Here we’ll help you make the most of them
Find out more

Cuts and LGBT+ jobs and services

Find out how UNISON is fighting cuts and defending public services for LGBT+ people
Find out more

LGBT+ historical highlights

Find out more about LGBT+ History Month, observed in February each year
Find out more

Trans, non-binary and gender diverse guidance 

We are pleased to share our updated transgender workers rights factsheet, trans equality model policy and non-binary workers factsheet, which you can find in our resources section below.

These factsheets and model policy have been reviewed by legal experts and we are pleased that we’ve had to make minimal changes to them. We have full confidence in our guidance and we encourage all members to use it for their workplaces.  

UNISON policy is: trans men are men, trans women are women and non-binary identities are valid and we advocate inclusive workplaces for all members. 

If your employer is changing workplace policies around trans, non-binary and gender diverse issues, please get in touch with your region in the first instance and send a copy of it to [email protected], so we can track changes, share best practice and challenge discrimination wherever it occurs.

Resources