We at GMB@EMAS are proud to support Pride Month. To our LGBTQ+ colleagues, our newly appointed Equalities Officer – Alex Lloyd – has this to say:

‘At GMB EMAS, we are proud to support all our colleagues in the fight for better terms and conditions – and for workplaces where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

‘Pride is both a celebration of LGBTQ+ communities and a reminder that our rights were fought for, and cannot be taken for granted. We are pleased to see that the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives supports Ambulance services’ attendance at Pride events when many public sector organisations are stepping back from these.

‘The fights for workers’ rights and LGBTQ+ rights have long been connected. Following the solidarity shown by Lesbians and Gays supporting the Miners during the miners’ strike, the NUM helped push Labour to adopt a formal policy in support of lesbian and gay rights.

‘I also want to acknowledge that many members of the trans community are worried about the recent shift in attitudes towards trans people, and emphasise that there is no “LGB without the T”.

‘That history of solidarity still matters, and protecting one another is central to trade unionism.’