Love Unites!

Unite is urging members to show their solidarity and make Pride 2025 the most powerful yet, declaring that celebrating and defending LGBT+ rights is core trade union business, especially following a concerning Supreme Court judgment.

As Pride Month dawns, Unite banners will fly high, not just in celebration, but in a clear statement of intent. For our union, Pride is an unshakeable commitment – a vibrant demonstration of our fight for equality, dignity, and justice for all LGBT+ working people. This year, that commitment takes on an even greater urgency.

“Pride began as a protest, born from the fight for liberation, and it is crucial that it remains a powerful political statement, even as we celebrate our hard-won diversity,” said Unite national LGBT+ committee chair Phil Jones. “Trade unionists have been at the heart of the LGBT+ rights movement for decades, fighting discrimination in the workplace and beyond. This year, with hard-won rights under increasing scrutiny, our solidarity must be louder and more visible than ever.”

Why Pride is our fight

The link between trade unionism and LGBT+ liberation is historic and profound. From the groundbreaking solidarity shown by Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) to Unite’s ongoing campaigns for fully inclusive workplaces, our movement understands that an attack on one group of workers is an attack on all.

“Our core mission is to eradicate all forms of discrimination,” emphasised Jenny Douglas, Unite executive committee (EC) member for LGBT+ members. “Homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia are not abstract issues; they are workplace issues that affect our members’ safety, well-being, and livelihoods. Unite will always champion the right of every member to be their authentic self at work, free from fear or prejudice. That’s why Pride is, and always will be, union business.”

Unite fights for equal pay, fair pensions, robust anti-harassment policies, and truly inclusive environments for our LGBT+ members. Pride is where we visibly celebrate these values and renew our pledge to defend them.

Deepening concerns: The For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers ruling

The backdrop to Pride 2025 includes the recent UK Supreme Court judgment in the For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers case.

While the Court noted that transgender individuals retain protection from discrimination under the separate characteristic of “gender reassignment,” the judgment has sparked significant alarm within the LGBT+ community and among allies.

“This ruling has understandably caused deep concern,” Phil Jones continued. “There are legitimate fears that it could be used to undermine the rights and inclusion of trans and non-binary people, particularly trans women, despite existing legal protections. It’s a stark reminder that progress on equality is never guaranteed and must be constantly defended.”

This legal development makes Pride 2025 a critical moment to stand firm. It’s a time to powerfully assert the message of full inclusion and to counter any narrative that seeks to divide or marginalise sections of our community. As trade unionists, we must be at the forefront of challenging any regression on hard-won rights.

Unite’s pledge: we stand with all our LGBT+ members

Unite national officer Maureen Scott-Douglas has been clear: “Unite is unwavering in its support for all our LGBT+ members, including our trans and non-binary members. We will continue to fight tooth and nail against any attempts to roll back rights or foster division. Unite will always be a campaigning force for equality, using our industrial and political strength to protect our members and advance their interests.”

This Pride, Unite calls on all its members, whether part of the LGBT+ community or as allies, to step up. Participate in local Pride events, support your LGBT+ colleagues, challenge prejudice, and wear your Unite colours with pride. This isn’t just about a march; it’s about sending an unmistakable message of solidarity and resistance.

Our movement is built on the principle that unity is strength. In a world where division is too often promoted, Pride is a powerful antidote. It’s a celebration of our shared humanity and our collective power.

As we face new challenges, our resolve must only strengthen. This June, let’s ensure the voice of working people, united in all our diversity, rings out loud and clear. Because love unites, and in that unity, we will continue the fight for true equality and dignity for every single person.

By Phil Jones on behalf of Unite’s national LGBT+ committee

Find out more about Unite’s fight for LGBT+ equality on our website here.