Maria Buck, acting secretary of the FBU’s LGBT+ section, on trade union solidarity against the far right
LGBT+ history month in the UK was founded in 2005 by Schools Out, a group of LGBT+ activists from teachers trade unions. The month of February is a time when we celebrate the lives, achievements and contributions that LGBT+ people have made to our history.
As we observe what is happening in the USA now, many LGBT+ people are fearful about what the future holds. Events like LGBT+ history month are coming under attack along with celebrations and initiatives around equality, diversity and inclusion. Minorities are being scapegoated and demonised while rights and protections are being stripped away. We have witnessed such tactics in the past. Politicians spin narratives blaming vulnerable demographics for issues in society, making them into figures of fear or hatred. Then when the minority is attacked, by politicians or on the streets, people fail to intervene and become complicit.
Some may feel that what is happening in the USA doesn’t affect us, but we can’t afford to be complacent. The people who are pulling the political strings in America – the far right – have already started interfering in UK politics. We’ve seen Elon Musk’s comments on X, stoking division and racism with statements like "civil war is inevitable". The same political project has made LGBT+ targets, with Westminster rowing back on trans rights. They aim to divide us because we are stronger when we stand united.
A lack of trust in established political parties has led to voters seeking an alternative, and the far-right has capitalised on that. It is receiving enormous financial and media support from billionaires. Those billionaires are no friend to the working class and have gained their wealth from the exploitation of ordinary people.
It is our role within the trade union movement to offer a better alternative: of workers’ unity, justice and hope. We will defend LGBT+ history month as a time to remember and learn from those who have faced and overcome these struggles before us.
Together we can stand against division and hatred. Whether you’re new to the LGBT+ community or the union, you can help shape our section and our service.
The FBU LGBT+ section is in a period of transition with the retirement of long-standing secretary Pat Carberry. Until elections can be held Maria Buck, the previous committee chair, is acting as Secretary and Andrew Steel is acting as the committee chair.
Speak to your region’s LGBT+ rep or reach out the committee to find out more about how you can get involved as an LGBT+ FBU member or ally.
