‘Struggle for LGBT equality is not over’, warns TUC

25 June 2016

Speaking at Pride in London today (Saturday) TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady will call on communities to show respect, tolerance and compassion as the struggle to achieve equality continues.

Frances will say: “I am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our LGBT brothers and sisters in Orlando.

“What happened just two weeks ago shocked and saddened us all. First and foremost it was attack on LGBT people and on the fundamental human right to live in peace, to love who you choose and to be who you want to be.

“But those who seek to divide and destroy need to understand this – hope will always defeat hate. Our values – respect, tolerance and compassion – will always trump theirs.

“And Pride is so special because it encapsulates those values so brilliantly.

Trade union support for Pride goes back a long way because, like you, we believe in equality, justice and freedom for all.

“Our shared values can be summed up in just one word: solidarity. We will always be stronger together, our fortunes rise and fall as one, and we advance furthest and fastest when we act collectively.”

On the vote to leave the European Union, Frances will say:

“There’s never been more need for solidarity than now.

“Two days ago the people of this country made the momentous decision to leave the EU. And the implications will be felt for a generation to come.

“Make no mistake, this is a dangerous moment for all of us who believe in progressive values. So many of the rights we fought so hard to win from Europe are now at risk.

“Not just rights at work, but equality rights which make a difference to women, black people, disabled people and LGBT people.

“And we must be resolute in defending them from a government that is about to take a sharp turn to the right.

“And that means working together – the trade union movement, the LGBT community, each and every one of us here today.

“The lesson of the referendum is we can no longer take anything for granted. And we know the struggle for equality is not over.

“If you want to change things, then join a union. Join other workers and win better rights, better public services and better working conditions. Individually we can only accomplish so much, but collectively we can move mountains.

"This wonderful celebration is proof of what we can achieve together.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

- For more information about Pride please visit http://prideinlondon.org/

- Frances will speak at around 2.55pm in Trafalgar Square.

- All TUC press releases can be found at www.tuc.org.uk

- Follow the TUC on Twitter: @The_TUC and follow the TUC press team @tucnews