PRIDE
June is Pride month and once again Oxford County will have many events recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride. Unifor has been a leader in advancing LGBTQ+ issues and has been a Platinum sponsor of Oxford County Pride since 2016. This year our Pride Dance will be at the Local 88 hall and I cannot express how proud I am of this moment. 29 years ago it would have been almost laughable at the thought of a Pride dance at our hall. When we gained same-sex benefits in 1992, I recall one person clapping and it wasn’t me. I recall cheering inside but the thought of guilty by association was enough to keep this closeted guy quiet. Heck even our CAW Gay and Lesbian caucus would not acknowledge bi-sexual or Transgender members at that time. We have grown as a Union over the years and I am proud to have been a part of that movement. So, I think it’s fitting to close out my 30 years with a Pride dance at our hall.
We are also having a table at the Family Day in Woodstock at Museum Square from 11 am until 4 pm. We can always use volunteers, Text Phil at 519-504-0506 if you are interested in helping out. We will be marching in the London Pride parade on Sunday July 28th. Gather at the fairgrounds at 10:30 and the parade starts at 12:30. As always Unifor also marches in the Toronto Parade so, Come March with us!
In Solidarity and Pride,
Philip Vandermolen
