Members’ view – PSAC National Pride Conference

"It was a great experience" according to CEIU member Kathryn Falkner, "and I came away feeling enlightened and empowered." Falkner and 12 other CEIU members attended the recent PSAC Pride Conference in Vancouver which united delegates under the theme of Include And Be Included.

The conference brought together gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered (GBLT) PSAC members to make the important links between the union, the workplace and GLBT rights. The gathering provided a safe space to examine these links, something that Kathryn Falkner appreciated. "I heard many accounts of major problems faced by GLBT members, both in the workplace and outside it. We were able to discuss these issues openly and come up with approaches to deal with them."

The conference debated a number of resolutions aimed at addressing the leading issues for GLBT members. Among the more important resolutions for Falkner were those dealing with the identification of equity groups within the Alliance and deficiencies in the government of Canada census. "The employer’s self-identification survey does not include the GLBT sector, so the union needs to do a one-time survey of members to obtain this information. We need this if we are going to plan effectively."

As for the Canadian census, it does not allow for the self-identification of sexual orientation or gender identity. "The conference called on the PSAC to lobby government for a change to the census," said Falkner, "because the refusal to allow citizens to self-identify means that the issues of these Canadians can more easily be ignored."

Delegates to the conference attended a number of workshops, and for Kathryn Falkner, the Leadership workshop was particularly useful. "One of the best parts of this workshop was how participants carefully analysed issues, including the make-up of our leadership workshop. We noticed that none of the participants in our group were Aboriginal, so electing an Aboriginal to a leadership position on the union’s Equal Opportunities Committee became a priority for us. And we succeeded."

CEIU delegate Denis Roy echoed Falkner’s emphasis on leadership training. "Leadership training for the GLBT activist is essential" he said "because leadership is what can move us forward in the years ahead." Roy is part of that leadership group, having been elected to the PSAC’s Equal Opportunities Committee by delegates to the conference.

Delegate Dawn Zander was particularly struck by the severe repression against GLBT persons in a number of other countries. And while she noted, in contrast, the progress made in Canada through anti-discrimination laws, she went on to say "We are at risk of losing ground made by previous governments…marginalization, poverty and inequity seem to be the themes of our current government."

"A good conference opens your eyes and motivates you to get more involved" said Falkner, "and this conference did both for me. Seeing the union support all equity groups sends the important message that we all count."