TAKING PRIDE

RMT helpline 0800 3763706 :: july/august 2009 :: RMTnews 28 The 2009 RMT annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) conference held in Cardiff in May was far better attended than last year but still needs support. A social event held on the eve of conference, and hosted by the Golden Cross pub, proved a great ice-breaker, enabling delegates old and new to become better acquainted. Conference opened with an introduction and welcome from RMT relief regional organiser Peter Skelly who stressed that the union did not tolerate any form of discrimination due to sex, race or sexual orientation. RMT council of executives Oliver New voiced concerns over the approaching European elections, warning that people’s reluctance to vote may allow the British National Party “in through the back door”. In the event these fears were to be realised with the BNP winning two seats in the European parliament following the June 4 poll. As a reminder of the implications BNP leader Nick Griffin has written of gay people: “No wonder ordinary people find these creatures flaunting their perversions so repulsive…they must be humanely pushed back into the closet”. Steve Skelly, Wales & South West regional council secretary, led a discussion on the benefits of joining the RMT credit union. Guest speaker Derek Lennard, representing the International Day Against Homophobia held annually on May 17, explained that as recently as 1990 homosexuality was classed as a mental illness by the World Health Organisation. IDAHO campaigns against the criminality of homosexuality worldwide. A representative from RMT lawyers Thompsons Solicitors distributed pamphlets on employee rights and the kind of support available. Conference was also supported by Greg Harrison, Cardiff Rail; Dave Hobbs, Newport and Steve Richards, Newport so a big thank you to all speakers and supporters. RMT’s LGBT committee meets three times a year and still requires considerably greater support. Several RMT regions have very little or no representation at all. These vacancies need to be filled so that views and concerns of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members from across the country and all areas of the transport industry are heard. Next year’s conference will be held in Belfast with a provisional date of May 7, 2010. Further information from Pat Wilkinson at RMT head office Russell Wolfe reports on the union’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) conference this year TAKING PRIDE PRIDE: RMT members attend this year’s Gay Pride march in London in July