UNISON Southend-on-Sea hosted a celebration of all things LGBT+ with TRANSPIRE and OUTreach

Image displaying UNISON Southend-on-Sea (with Rainbow Flag ribbons), Transpire and OUTreach logos (on the left) and a group photograph of associated members (on the right).

On 27th February, UNISON Southend-on-Sea hosted a celebration for LGBT+ History Month. LGBT History Month is a month-long annual observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history, and the history of the gay rights and related civil rights movements.

Group photograph featuring Sam Adams (LGBT+ Officer) presenting a cheque for £100 from UNISON Southend-on-Sea branch to help TRANSPIRE continue its work supporting the local community.
Sam Adams (LGBT+ Officer) presenting a cheque for £100 from UNISON Southend-on-Sea branch to help TRANSPIRE continue its work supporting the local community.

In the Jubilee Room at the Civic Centre stalls were set-up, representing community organisations and workplaces from across the borough. In addition, Gina Denham, founder and chair of TRANSPIRE (a Southend based Transgender Support Network) gave an informative and entertaining presentation on both transitioning as well as diversity at work. Read TRANSPIRE member Ren Stedman’s excellent article here.

The event closed with UNISON Southend, OUTreach (Southend Borough Council LGBT+ staff forum) and TRANSPIRE joining together to raise the Rainbow Flag above the Civic Centre.

Photograph of UNISON Southend-on-Sea, Transpire and OUTreach members joining together to raise the Rainbow Flag.
UNISON Southend-on-Sea, TRANSPIRE and OUTreach members joining together to raise the Rainbow Flag.

UNISON Southend-on-Sea LGBT+ self-organised group are here to support members, raise awareness, challenge discrimination, and make links with the wider LGBT+ community of Southend and beyond.

For more information or advice contact Sam Adams (LGBT+ Officer) via the UNISON Office.

Photograph of the Rainbow Flag flying high at the Civic Centre, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.
The Rainbow Flag flying high at the Civic Centre, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.