GMB Midlands - Equalities

🌈 As Pride Month Comes to an End...

As Pride Month comes to an end, I've been reflecting on how much has changed for me over the last year.

At the end of last year, I came out as Bisexual.

If I'm honest, nothing bad happened. No one treated me differently. The biggest hurdle wasn't other people—it was the fear I'd built up in my own head about what people might think of me.

Looking back now, I wish I'd realised sooner that the people who truly matter would accept me exactly as I am.

More than anything, I'm grateful.

Grateful for the incredible group of friends I've surrounded myself with. Friends who have supported me, made me laugh, celebrated with me, picked me up when I've needed it, and reminded me that I never had to hide who I am.

I don't think they realise just how much that has meant to me.

I'm also grateful to work for the NHS and currently be on secondment to GMB, where I've felt able to be myself. Being accepted for who you are shouldn't feel like a privilege, but I know for many people, it still does.

Pride isn't just about rainbows and celebrations. It's about living authentically. It's about recognising that everyone's journey is different, and that sometimes the hardest part is taking that first step and trusting that you'll still be loved when you do.

To anyone who isn't quite there yet, I hope one day you find the same acceptance, support and happiness that I've been lucky enough to find.

Happy Pride Month. Be proud of who you are—not just in June, but every day. 🏳️‍🌈❤️ # # #

Please ignore the dreadful photo, I don't know what I was thinking with my hair at the time. 🥴

Hey, it’s Ash!

As you may know, I’m currently on secondment to GMB National Office, partaking in GMB’s Race Achievement Scholarship Programme (GRASP)

I am still reflecting on what has been such a meaningful, emotional, and honestly fabulous few days spent over in Northern Ireland with my GMB colleagues.

It was a real privilege to be part of important conversations around sectarianism, the deep scars it has left on communities, and the ways those divisions connect with conversations about race, identity, class, and solidarity today. Hearing people speak so openly and honestly about lived experiences was both humbling and inspiring. It reminded me that whether it’s racism, sectarianism, homophobia, or attacks on workers’ rights — division has always been used to keep working people apart, and solidarity will always be our greatest strength.

One thing that will stay with me is seeing the physical reminders of division that still exist across Northern Ireland to this day. Walking through areas where peace walls still separate communities was incredibly powerful and emotional. Seeing those barriers in person — symbols of conflict, fear, and generations of separation — really puts into perspective how deeply division can shape people’s lives and identities. But it also highlighted the importance of the ongoing work being done by trade unionists, activists, and local communities to build understanding, unity, and peace across those divides.

We had the chance to meet some truly incredible comrades along the way — passionate trade unionists, community organisers, activists, and all-round icons. The kind of people who can give you a political education, make you laugh until your stomach hurts, and still somehow look effortlessly put together doing it.

Our time in Belfast was unforgettable. From visiting the James Connolly Centre to walking through Belfast City Hall and learning more about the city’s history, resistance, and resilience, every moment carried real meaning. Belfast is a city with so much pain in its history, but also so much pride, warmth, humour, and hope.

And naturally, in true union fashion, we fully embraced the “work hard, play hard” mentality. There were serious discussions in the day, solidarity and learning throughout — and then good music, good company, a few drinks, and enough laughs in the evening to heal the soul a little.

Feeling grateful for the experience, for the friendships made, and for the reminder that international solidarity, working-class unity, and community will always matter.

If you’d like to find out more about my Secondment, please don’t hesitate to drop us a message! 🤍🥺✈️🇮🇪