Throughout LGBT+ History Month, we’re asking some of our inspirational LGBT+ activists to tell us a bit about themselves.
Next up to take the Five Question challenge Norfolk County’s Ben Edwards.
Here’s what he had to say.
Who are you?
Hello, I am Ben.
I am a UNISON steward, health and safety rep, LGBT+ branch officer and Norfolk County chair for the Eastern region LGBT+ committee.
Why is LGBT+ History Month important to you?
LGBT+ history month is important to help raise awareness and combat the prejudice against the LGBT+ community throughout the world.
It is also important to help people recognise LGBT+ history and how still to this day there are prejudices against the LGBT+ community.
What’s your proudest achievement in UNISON?
My proudest achievement in UNISON so far would be becoming the Norfolk Chair for the Eastern Region LGBTQ+ committee.
Who’s your inspiration/role model?
My inspiration would have to be Larry Kramer, who was one of the first to sound the alarm for the HIV/AIDS crisis in 1981.
He was an activist and fought for LGBT+ rights, even co-founding groups such as Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) and Act Up (Aids Coalition to Unleash Power) which coined the iconic Silence=Death logo which became a symbol for AIDS.
Why did you get involved in UNISON?
I wanted to get involved with UNISON because there were issues within my workplace and no representation.
I started as a health and safety rep and started to work closely with members in my workplace to make improvements.
I have been an LGBT+ branch officer for around two years now and have attended several pride events and promotions across Norfolk.
In February I moved workplaces and became a steward. There have been several courses and learning opportunities which have helped me to progress within my career and my place in UNISON.
