The recent decision by the Reform-led Durham County Council to withdraw funding from the annual Durham Pride event is a backward step for LGBTQ+ rights in the North East, which the University and College Union (UCU) Committee at Durham University condemns.
Durham UCU proudly supports its LGBTQ+ members and affirms that all members of the University must play a role in publicly resisting homophobic, transphobic, and other discriminatory acts and systems in our local and university community.
As part of a national trade union with a long-established history and policy of supporting its LGBTQ+ members, Durham UCU calls out these discriminatory actions by Durham County Council for what they are: a cynical attempt to mainstream public policy and attitudes that further harm these minoritised groups. Such harmful actions must be stemmed at the source.
Through casework, advocacy, activism, and action, we work to build a more just workplace and local community. We ask all members of the University community, particularly our members and others in the trade union movement, to join us in publicly condemning this recent decision by the County Council.
Durham Pride UK, the Durham Miners’ Association and the TUC are standing together to defend the rights of LGBTQ+ people in the North East.
You are invited to an emergency fundraiser – including a screening of Pride (2014) and speeches from former miners and members of Lesbians & Gays Support the Miners – at Durham Miners’ Hall at Redhills at 6.30pm on Friday 5th September. You can buy tickets at https://redhillsdurham.org/event/we-are-still-here/ or donate directly to Durham Pride at https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/durham-pride-uk-https-www-durhamprideuk-org.