UFCW Pride Across the US & Canada
This account belongs to a series of articles commissioned by the Council of Global Unions (CGU) LGBTI Committee to share organising success stories from our member unions. This article has been written by Michele Kessler, Chair of the CGU LGBTI Committee and IUF LGBTI Workers and Allies Committee.
Despite the anti-LGBT political backlash happening, this summer UFCW Local Unions across North America continued to celebrate Prides and also participate in marches and protests. UFCW OUTreach the 2SLGBTQ+ constituency group of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union estimates over 100 pride events in the US and Canada included UFCW marchers and/or tabling of Union pride materials. OUTreach assisted local Unions by providing materials for distribution including our new 20 page 2SLGBTQ+ rights and collective bargaining guide, pronoun pins, pride 2025 stickers: "2SLGBTQ+ Rights are Human Rights are Union Rights" as well as other resources. Also, increased trainings virtually and in-person for UFCW Staff, stewards and members continued to ensure improving 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity in our union, our workplaces and beyond.
"As our rights are under attack across the US and in many Canadian provinces, it has never been more important to let our 2SLGBTQ+ members know we have their backs, that we are committed to truly safe 2SLGBTQ+ affirming workplaces. We will continue to advocate for strong non-discrimination clauses in contracts, inclusive healthcare, trainings, and fighting back against all anti-2SLGBTQ+ initiatives." stated Michele Kessler, OUTreach Chair.
OUTreach is also currently planning an educational conference Oct. 3-5, 2025, in Philadelphia: "The Art of Solidarity: Tools to Create a 2SLGBTQ+ Affirming Union".
For more information visit www.ufcwoutreach.org or find UFCW OUTreach on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.