“Together we are stronger”
BY MARIA EXALL AND DAVE PIKE, IMAGE PROVIDED
In 1985, when miners were out striking against Thatcher’s plans to axe 20,000 jobs and destroy a swathe of mining towns across the North, it was the LGBTQIA+ community that stepped up and supported them. Like the miners, the LGBTQIA+ community also bore the brunt of an oppressive government agenda. Against all odds, this unlikely alliance of miners and the LGBTQIA+ community saw the power of solidarity
LGBTQIA+ people, under the name of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners, organised fundraisers to support those on strike so they could continue their fight; offered direct support in struggling mining communities; and bravely and defiantly showed public support for the miners’ cause.
This is a legacy we are proud to say inspired us in our paths as trade unionists, and as members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Fast forward to 2026, and solidarity between the LGBTQIA+ and trade union movement has once again shown how powerful a force it can be.
When Reform leaders at Durham County Council withdrew their funding for Durham Pride, vowing that the event wouldn’t receive “a single penny” from them in 2026, we knew that the union movement had to act. And act we did. Together, unions raised over £15,500 for this year’s celebrations – an amount far exceeding the funding withdrawn by Reform. That means Durham Pride is back on and is set to be bigger than ever.
This represents a massive victory for unity over division in Durham.
But this kind of behaviour from Reform hasn’t been a bolt out of the blue. The day the Reform-led council came to power in Durham, they removed the Pride flag from County Hall. Their actions sent a clear message. It tells local communities that equality is no longer a priority – that efforts to tackle discrimination and prejudice aren’t wanted or needed.
And ultimately, it tells LGBTQIA+ people in Durham that they do not matter.
What message does it send to young people – including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans in Durham? What will they think when they are considering coming out?
But it’s not just at a local level that Reform is a threat to the LGBTQIA+ community – it’s nationwide.
Reform has pledged to repeal the Equality Act. That would effectively legalise discrimination in this country. The Equality Act protects all of us: yes the LGBTQIA+ community, but also Black, Asian and ethnic minorities, parents, disabled people, those with caring responsibilities, those who have faith.
That just shows how toxic Reform’s agenda is. And as trade unionists, we need to make clear that party has no business in masquerading as champions of the working class.
They are bankrolled by corporate interest and crypto billionaires who want to rig the rules even further in favour of the rich and powerful.
That’s why they’ll never be friends of the LGBTQIA+ community – or ordinary working people whoever they are or wherever they’re from.
For our community, Pride is an important celebration and a chance to look back at the gains that have been made. By stepping in to save Durham Pride, trade unions stood up for unity and for a society that respects everyone regardless of their differences.
Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners showed us how it is done decades ago. Their willingness to see past the stereotypes, stand side by side and build positive relationships was vital.
That all-encompassing solidarity should be our guiding principle in taking on the renewed threat of the populist and far right. Together we are stronger.
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