News

Twenty six years ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) declassified sexuality as a psychiatric disorder, marking a turning point in the LGBTI fight for rights. Still, more than 70 countries around the world penalize same-sex relationships and in seven of them, same-sex relationships are punishable by death.

People who are, or are perceived as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex, suffer from social stigma, exclusion and discrimination at work, at home, at school, in health institutions and in many other aspects of their lives.

Individuals can be fired from their jobs and bullied at school. They are denied proper medical treatment, expelled from their homes, disowned by their parents, forced into psychiatric institutions, forced to marry or become pregnant, and subjected to attacks on their reputation.

At work, the impact of "coming out" can range from the lack of career advancement, to offensive jokes, to exclusion until the non-renewal of the employment contract or unfair dismissal.

The ILO reports that the vast majority of LGBTI workers keep their sexual orientation a secret, often resulting in considerable stress and depression. However, people who have come out at work have fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression and burnout. And a central factor in the decision to come out at work is a supportive environment with proactive diversity and inclusion policies.

Trade unions, as promoters of decent work for all men and women are essential in generating policies and actions that will help create inclusive work environments.

Join us in our campaign against discrimination (http://en.uni-iwd.org/community/) and against violence against our LGBTI colleagues (http://en.breakingthecircle.org/). Download our materials, use our posters, and follow us on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uniequalopportunities/
Twitter: @uni_women

It is time we stand up and raise our voices against all types of discrimination.

Because we are all workers, because we are stronger together, because we are all part of a union #IBELONGTOMYUNION #IBELONG.

UNI Equal Opportunities Department