Are you lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and an ASU member?
If you're not an ASU member but identify as LGBT then you should read on.
If you are a supporter of ASU members who identify as LGBT then you should read on too.
GLAM is the official caucus of the ASU for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender members.
We have a Yahoo group "glamchat" where members exchange information, discuss issues in the LGBT community and make informed decisions about the direction the ASU should take in matters relevant to LGBT union members.
ASU members can join "glamchat" by filling in their e-mail address in the form below. You will receive a return e-mail asking which ASU Branch you belong to. This verification process is to ensure all those joining "glamchat" are bona fide.
GLAM members are in every state and territory and in each Branch of the ASU. Some Branches have identified LGBT contacts for the Branch and others have groups of LGBT members who meet regularly.
LGBT union members are also linked with different unions' LGBT groups around Australia and also internationally through global unions. Around Australia the various groups that the ASU is active in includes:
- QLD: Queer Rights @ Work
- NSW: WorkersOut!
- VIC: Union Pride
- WA: UnionsWA LGBTI Workers Rights
ASU GLAM contacts in each State can be reached on the numbers below. Some of our GLAM contacts are union officials and others are delegates. All GLAM contacts volunteer to take on the role. Not all of our contacts identify as LGBT but all of them are very supportive of our LGBT members and particularly proud to defend their issues.
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To find out the latest information on activities around the country for LGBT members see our calendar in the right hand side bar. Our calendar is only as good as the activities you send us, so if your LGBT group has an upcoming activity let us know so we can distribute the information via our Yahoo group "glamchat". Send your calendar events to jjusto@asu.asn.au
Campaign: Same-Sex Law Reform and Pension Changes
Legislative changes by the Federal Government to reduce the inequalities faced by LGBT members of the community have been wrestled over for some time.
Assisted by a very strong campaign run by the Australian Human Rights Commission, financial considerations for same sex couples also rated high on the parliamentary debate list. Many of these changes have, or are about to be implemented.
One of the changes that has had a negative side effect is the change to Centrelink payments. Elderly same-sex couples have been denied access to entitlements during the course of their working life, and therefore have planned for retirement from a disadvantaged financial position. Now retired, they will receive none or little of the benefits of these reforms, while experiencing significant financial burden.
Also of concern is that Centrelink's process of assessing whether someone is a member of a couple will be unavoidably distressing for many older same-sex couples. A campaign has been developed which you can support. The campaign provides for positive steps that can be taken to ensure that those affected negatively by these progressive changes will be looked after.
If you are being harassed or discriminated against in your workplace
Obviously if you are experiencing harassment and/or discrimination based on your sexual or gender orientation you should get assistance.
As a union member, your first port of call is your local delegate or shop steward. However, you may not feel comfortable speaking with a colleague about the problem, in which case you can always call your ASU Branch direct. Again, you can speak to the organiser responsible for your industry or ask to speak with the GLAM contact.
- "Gender Questioning" This booklet is for people aged 16 to 25 who are questioning their gender - for people who feel like the gender assigned through sex doesn't fit.
- A rainbow conversation on human rights: exchange, learn, talk and grow with your neighbours - The 1st Asia Pacific Outgames Melbourne 2008 will also include a two day human rights conference as part of the activities schedule n January 30 and 31. Visit the page as you need to register your interest in the conference by Wednesday, August 1, 2007.
- "Boots, Boas and All!" - an article on the Public Services International (PSI) website showing photos and quotes of the LGBTIQ workers' movement since the 1970s. Includes GLAM photos and link to our page!
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