June is Pride Month.  UCTE shines a spotlight on 2SLGBTQIA+ by uplifting and amplifying the lives and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA+ people by commemorating the history of Pride, celebrating the incredible progress to date, and to call attention to the immense challenges still facing 2SLGBTQIA+ people everywhere.  The roots of Pride dates to June 1969 when Stonewall riots erupted in New York’s Greenwich Village.  A year later the first Pride march was held in New York City.

Today, Pride events happen year-round around the world.  Some are massive celebrations.  Some are small underground gatherings.  Some take place with the support of local authorities.  Others face violent backlash.  What they all have in common is a purpose:  fighting for equality of 2SLGBTQIA+ people everywhere.  UCTE proudly joins our members across the country in celebrating Pride this summer.  Pride is not only a vibrant and vocal way to recognize the achievements of 2SLGBTQIA+ people, but it is also a rallying cry to end discrimination, homophobia, transphobia and biphobia.

Using inclusive language helps people feel valued and welcomed within our union, the labour movement, and our communities.  By using gender inclusive language, we’re not only showing that we value inclusion, but we’re also promoting gender equality for all.

PSAC launched the Gender Inclusive Language Toolkit on March 17, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, and at the beginning of the Pride season, in which we celebrate the activism, advocacy and resilience of LGBTQ2+ Communities.

This toolkit is designed to help members, elected leaders and staff interact in a way that respects and celebrates our unique and diverse gender identities.

• Download the full Gender Inclusive Language Toolkit

According to the 2020 Public Service Employee Survey results, toolkit 21 per cent of gender diverse respondents indicated that they were victims of harassment on the job, compared to 10 per cent of men and 11 per cent of women.  This demonstrates that workplace is still not a safe place for trans, two-spirit and non-binary employees.  You can also download and print a brief one-pager  to post on the union bulletin board in your workplace or share as a handout at events as a way to give readers an overview of the topic and encourages them to learn more with the full toolkit.

People should feel safe and supported regardless of their gender identity.  This toolkit outlines the small but tangible steps we can all take to be more inclusive because respecting pronouns and gender identity is for everyone. The toolkit arises from the “Gender Inclusive Terms” resolution adopted at the 2018 PSAC National Triennial Convention.  Resolution GEN 18/100 called on the PSAC to “find and implement alternative, more inclusive terms” and to “educate the membership on the importance of inclusivity in greetings.” UCTE is happy to participate and support the Pride community.

“It takes no compromise to give people their rights. It takes no money to respect the individual.  It takes no political deal to give people freedom.  It takes no survey to remove repression”.  Harvey Milk