Mariel Goulart, Marion Hersh and Sarah Currier (all Glasgow) UCU Delegates
Introduction and conference atmosphere
The 15th Annual STUC LGBT+ Workers’ Conference took place on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th May 2026 at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel in Clydebank, Glasgow. The atmosphere was great – welcoming, energetic and genuinely supportive.
A standout moment was the panel session on Sunday morning featuring one of Scotland’s first trans MSPs. The panel included Oceana Maud (Equality Network / Scottish Trans), Zarith (Care 4 Calais) and Tammy Hymas (Policy Lead, TransActual). Hearing them speak about trans rights, asylum solidarity and grassroots organising was inspiring and a powerful reminder of why LGBT+ visibility in politics and trade unions matters. We also appreciated the workshops on ACE / ARO awareness and A People’s History of LGBT+ Liberation. A motion on Decriminalising sex work was remitted and all the other motions were carried.
Motions UCU was directly involved in
Our two motions on Trans Rights – Countering the Threats and Organising Against Reform and the Far Right in many ways encapsulated the two main themes of the conferences and both were composited (combined) with other motions. The Advancing Trans and Non-Binary Rights Composite reaffirms full support for trans and non‑binary workers. It notes that the Supreme Court ruling on “sex” has not changed legal protection for gender reassignment. It warns that employers might force trans workers to use disabled toilets instead of facilities matching their lived gender. The motion calls on the STUC LGBT+ Workers’ Committee to produce guidance on trans rights for members and to encourage affiliates to join demonstrations and events supporting trans rights. Sarah spoke about our experiences organising locally in support of trans members.
The Tackling the Far Right composite condemns the rise of Reform UK and far right groups who weaponise anti‑trans and anti‑LGBT+ hate. It states that transphobia is part of the same harmful far right narratives attacking all minorities. The motion calls on the STUC LGBT+ Workers’ Committee to develop training for union reps and create resources on the far right origins of anti‑trans hate. Marion spoke about the even greater threat from Reform getting into political power than their detestable violent attacks and the need to be active in countering them.
We also seconded a motion on Pride and Prejudice from the FBU which we had amended. Marion spoke on the importance of Pride remaining political and non-commercialised. Mariel spoke very movingly about the situation in Brazil to a motion from Usdaw on International Solidarity.
Next steps
UCU has a vital role in defending LGBTQ+ members against discrimination, harassment and far right hostility. Through collective bargaining, legal advice, rep training and active campaigning, we need to make sure that trans, non‑binary and all LGBTQ+ members are safe and supported at work. This conference showed again that a strong union presence, including UCU’s voice, is essential to turning policy into real protection for our members. Our rights have advanced, but there continue to be threats which we need to overcome. The current threats are the Supreme Court Judgement and EHRC guidelines and we need to be active in challenging them and ensuring our workplaces remain welcoming and provide appropriate facilities to trans, non-binary, intersex and gender non-conforming members.
Like many other delegations we took a photo with the Transpride banner (above) and hope to invite them to a branch meeting. We would encourage other LGBTQ+ members to attend the conference next year.
If you are a UCU Glasgow member & you want to join the LGBT+ Subcommittee and/or the EHRC Working Group please email: ucug@glasgow.ac.uk