TUC LGBT+ CONFERENCE

It was a pleasure to have a delegation of six people attend the TUC LGBT+ conference. Everyone found it a positive experience, as outlined in their comments below. Should anyone be interested in attending in 2026, there will be a POA circular issued in due course. If there are any issues with your employer, please do not hesitate to contact me.

ANGELA MONTGOMERY
POA ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY

“Attending the national TUC LGBT+ Conference with the POA was a powerful and eye-opening experience. It offered a valuable opportunity to listen, learn and stand alongside others in championing the causes that truly matter to the LGBT+ community.

Hearing personal stories – some inspiring, some heartbreaking – from colleagues across different sectors was humbling and motivating. These shared experiences highlighted the very real challenges many still face in the workplace today.

This conference felt like an important step forwards, not just for me, but for our collective journey towards equality. It also served as a strong reminder that, while progress has been made, there’s still much more to do to ensure every workplace is safe, inclusive and welcoming for all.”

RICHARD KITTS
HMP STOCKEN

“As one of the few trans officers in the prison service, this was an amazing experience for me.

“A long line of important and worthwhile points was raised but, for me, the resounding response to the recent damaging Supreme Court ruling on gender felt powerful to me. Rather than feeling sad or angry because of what happened, I felt like part of the response to it: like I wasn’t alone, ready to be picked off, but part of a strong collective of people working together for each other’s betterment. Honestly, nothing else feels quite like it.

“It was lovely to meet everyone, and I had a fantastic time. I am eager to do it again… only, next time, I want to say something on stage.”

OFFICER BAYES
PIPP AREA REP (SOUTH-CENTRAL) AND INDUCTION OFFICER HMP AYLESBURY

“Rightly so, the conference focused on trans rights, the far right, the stigma around HIV and Aids, and other important motions – all of which are vital in our fight for equal rights.

I did get up to speak on Motion 11: Tackling the Far Right Intersectionality, as I am concerned that, in Wales, Reform will run roughshod over our rights – to a point where we will regress back to troubled days of the past.

We need to make ourselves aware of what changes could be brought about should a far-right party rise to power. My fears don’t just rest with LGBT+; they are wider, in respect of pensions, workers’ rights and other elements of equality.

“If you get the opportunity to attend a conference, for whatever reason, please do. I’m a staunch believer in unions, and what they represent: a union of the people.”

Thank you for the opportunity to attend the conference. I had a great time meeting yourselves and my new colleagues. l

MARK HAWES
HMP PRESCOED