amicus-lgbt
For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans members of Unite (Amicus Section)![[jump to menu]](images/spacer.gif)
LGBT History Month
February 2007 is the UK's third LGBT History Month.
The Month aims to raise awareness, within and outwith the LGBT community, about the very varied history of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans people who, throughout history, have participated in nearly every walk of life and at all levels of society. For a number of reasons, there is a lack of awareness of LGBT history even among our own community.
One reason for this situation is that is only in recent years that most of the repressive legislation that disempowered LGBT people was repealed. This legislation allowed homophobic and transphobic stereotypes and discrimination to exist, with little recourse for their victims. As a result, many LGBT people concealed their sexuality or gender identity, and a vicious circle developed.
LGBT History Month was first held in the USA in 1995, where it was introduced by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network teachers' group. In the US, it is held every October to commemorate the first LGBT rally in Washington DC in October 1979. In the UK, the Month takes place every February to coincide with Valentine's Day. Here, it was introduced by the Schools Out teachers' network but is now coordinated by a separate group.
History of amicus-lgbt
The amicus union and its predecessors have campaigned on LGBT rights over many years. LAGIM (Lesbians and Gays in MSF), the pre-cursor of amicus-lgbt, began in 1979. Our influence in MSF and the TUC steadlily increased. One of our most notable achievements was the inclusion of Bisexual and Trans people in the TUC's LGBT equality structure. We also raised awareness of LGBT issues on an ongoing basis and continue to do so.
From the outset, the amicus rule book laid out an LGBT Equalities structure which was wider ranging than either of the predecessor unions, and further improvements were secured at the 2005 amicus Policy and Rules Conference.
The proposed «New Union» arising from the merger of amicus and the TGWU will also have equalities structures along similar lines to the current amicus ones.
General Information
Joining Unite
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Page last modified: 2007-02-06 21:40:14 +0100 (Disclaimer)
«amicus-lgbt, the networking and campaigning group for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans members in the Amicus Section of the Unite trade union»