Meeting the PTC Union
On Saturday 14th September 1996, four members of Press For Change were invited to speak to lesbian, gay, and bisexual members of the Public Service, Taxation and Commerce Union at their seminar at Aston Business School in Birmingham.
From the start it was clear that they had a great deal of interest in transgendered rights - we were given the main lecture theatre for our workshop, and every union representative who was there attended our sessions, several of them returning for a repeat performance!
They asked many intelligent questions, they all gave us their undivided attention and took away leaflets and specially prepared information packages, as well as signing our petition.
In between the lectures there was plenty of opportunity to talk to individual LGB members of the union at length, and they were without exception warm and friendly and expressed genuine interest and concern for how they could help prevent discrimination against transgendered people in the workplace, and how they could help Press For Change. They were mystified by the Government’s refusal to legitimise the status of transsexual people, when the natural justice of our cause seemed so obvious to them, and such a small number of individuals is involved.
They had been unsure, before we spoke, if LGB groups were the most appropriate bodies to include and represent transgendered union members, since many transsexuals are heterosexual and might feel they belonged elsewhere … in women’s groups for example. However, following our discussions, both the LGB members and ourselves, felt that we had such a lot in common, due to our mutual experiences of discrimination, and that transgendered people could benefit from the greater numbers, the knowledge, and the caring motivated approach of the LGB group. They have developed considerable skills in campaigning for social justice.
It did seem that our involvement in Pride 96, and the bridge building that has already occurred, has broken down many of the barriers and misconceptions on both sides. It seems that as the gay and lesbian community gains self confidence and maturity it is becoming increasingly tolerant and socially aware, concerned to include rather than exclude other minority groups. Hands are being outstretched on both sides.
It was agreed that the union will donate £100 to Press For Change, as well as paying our expenses which we obviously kept to a minimum. They will also refer cases of discrimination to Press for Change so that transgendered union members can have access to our support and to lawyers skilled in dealing with these cases. They will recommend affiliation to PFC at the union’s next conference, and will maintain links to mutually assist each other’s campaigns.
Incidentally, one of the union members who works in a department responsible for planning the health care needs of transsexual prisoners was made aware of the G&SA Submission to HM Prison Service, and he will bring the matter to the attention of his manager.
We were most impressed by a speech given by Peter Tatchell, the infamous gay activist. In spite of the media image which portrays him as excessively radical, dangerous or even mad!, he is an articulate, engaging and charismatic speaker, who also seems to be decent, level-headed and humane. He made an impassioned plea for the right to be different, not just for the same rights as everyone else, but for tolerance of what makes gay or transgendered people unique, and an acknowledgement that they have a great deal to contribute to society.
Many thanks to Michelle Wilson, who gave an excellent presentation about how best to approach management when changing over, and to Frank Hannah who made a big impression with his very personal description of the way in which discrimination limits the lives of transsexuals.
If anyone would like to involve their union in our campaign, the Press For Change Information Pack contains sample letters and suggestions. Please ask your union what their policy is concerning transgendered rights and suggest that they affiliate to PFC.