Fórsa’s newly established LGBTQIA+ network was formally launched this week at the union’s equality seminar which took place on Wednesday.
The network, which was born from a motion brought to the union’s biennial conference in May by Fórsa activist Rob Partridge, will work to support all members and staff who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Kieran Rose presenting his book Trade Unions and progress for LGBT people.
The event, “Organising for equality: Then, now and in the future” also marked the release of a new memoir, “Trade unions and Progress, a personal history” by Kieran Rose, a stalwart of the movement. This book provides a rich and deep history of the role of the trade union movement in achieving progress for the LGBTQIA+ community and serves as a reminder of what can be achieved through the power of the collective.
The trade union movement has long been a shining light of support for LGBTQI+ people and has been instrumental in battling discrimination and fighting for equality for the LGBTQI+ community.
Fórsa Official Amy Moran and Rob Partidge
Speaking at the seminar Rob paid tribute the work of Kieran and said he was “standing on the shoulders of giants”. Over 40 years ago, Kieran put forward a motion seeking the decriminalisation of homosexual acts on the basis of equality, calling for equality legislation. This was the first motion if its kind, thus sparking hard fought trade union campaigns, spanning decades, which further improved the rights of LGBTQIA+ people.
Over 40 years later, Rob would receive an outpouring of support for his motion instructing the incoming National Executive Committee to establish a LGBTQI+ network to support all members and staff who identify as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Panel discussion: Fórsa Official Aisling Cusack, David Rinehart, Philippa Ryder, David Carroll
Delegates to the seminar also heard from activist and chair of Dublin Pride Philippa Ryder, ICTU’s David Carroll, and David Carlos Casanova Rinehart of the newly established Queer Library Alliance discuss their experiences of the evolving landscape of LGBTQIA+ lives, and in particular, the importance of combatting hate speech.
Speaking at the launch Fórsa general secretary Kevin Callinan said the work of the network was “only getting started”.
“We know that when people feel they belong, they thrive. As a union, we thrive when you thrive. You belong here, and this network is a crucial part of building that sense of belonging. And ensuring that we are a union where diversity is our strength, not just in principle but in practice,
“The evidence collected from our recent member survey will set our agenda. We will use our collective power as workers to fight for better supports and changes in the workplace and beyond,” he said.
General Secretary Kevin Callinan addresses event attendees.
For more information on Fórsa’s LGBTQIA+ network, or to get involved, contact rmckane@forsa.ie
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