AFGE PRIDE Members Reunite for Pride Month

June 06, 2022

Categories: LGBT, The Insider

AFGE PRIDE is designed to help lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and other members feel welcomed and valued in the labor movement.  

Many of the goals of LGBTQIA+ members are the same as their co-workers: job security, advancement opportunities, benefits, pay, and a respectful, dignified, and safe work environment.  

Due to homophobia and transphobia, however, LGBTQIA+ union members frequently face specific barriers in receiving the same benefits and working conditions as other union members. 

“We exist, we work, we serve, and we represent just like everyone else,” said AFGE Local 96 Vice President Tiffany McPherson, who also serves as District 9 Pride and Y.O.U.N.G. Coordinator. “Everyone should expect to come to work in an environment that offers all employees the dignity, fairness, and respect, they deserve and that includes the LGBTQIA+ community.” 

For Pride Month, AFGE PRIDE and the Women’s and Fair Practices Departments (WFP) hosted a virtual workshop and panel from 7-9 p.m. Eastern on June 2.  

As in past years, AFGE will also participate in the Capital Pride weekend in Washington, D.C. Join WFP and AFGE Pride on Saturday, June 11, from 3-7:30 p.m. for the Capital Pride Parade and on Sunday, June 12, from 12-7 p.m. at the Capital Pride Festival.  

Later the month, WFP will host a Pride workshop at the 42nd National Convention in Orlando from 5:30-7:30 pm. on June 21.  

“LGBTQIA+ affinity groups and visible leadership opportunities send a clear message that there is a welcoming space in the union for LGBTQIA+ workers and our voices matter,” said Mae apGovannon, AFGE Local 2157 Steward and District 11 Pride Coordinator.