Weeks after being named UNISON Eastern equalities activist of the year, Peter Oates is still just processing that he was nominated, let alone won the award.
He wasn’t able to make it to the One Weekend to pick up the award but on hearing some of the tribute paid to him — “a pillar of the LGBT+ self-organised group [who] fosters a true spirit of inclusivity to empower all voices” — he’s clearly affected.
“It’s very moving, very sweet to hear those things. I hope it’s true, I want people to gather together and talk.”
His journey into activism started when he had a problem at work and his UNISON rep destroyed the management case in seconds by pointing out they weren’t supporting Peter with his dyslexia.
She later got in touch asking if he wanted to become the LGBT officer (the plus was added by national delegate conference in 2019).
Peter suggested he should train as a rep at the same time and the rest is history.
He’s a firm believer that equality enriches the union.
“Any group that’s been marginalised or minoritised needs to be involved. Without equality in every branch, in every campaign, we lack that member experience that helps us win.”
This has been clear at Pride stalls. “You just start talking to people about what’s wrong and what they could do,” he explains. “I’ve seen people become active in front of my eyes.”
Peter’s had plenty of proud moments himself. Supporting colleagues through disciplinary processes, having the confidence to challenge senior managers and stand up for members.
“If you’d have said 17 years ago I’d be meeting CEOs or negotiating policies I would have just said I didn’t have the capacity, I couldn’t even have imagined getting the paperwork. UNISON has given me those skills and that confidence.”
But despite all the progress, there’s setbacks too.
“I’ve been really pleased to roll out the trans ally training and help negotiate inclusive policies in my trust,” he says. “But the atmosphere around trans rights is becoming terrible. None of my rights are taken away by someone else having rights.
“It reminds me of the ’70s and ’80s and the experiences gay men faced. The myths, the misinformation. It’s the same sort of narrative.
“But now it’s probably the smallest minority facing this backlash, facing attempts to exclude them from public life. It’s really vital we stand with our trans colleagues now.”
Despite these setbacks, he’s pleased to be a UNISON activist.
“It’s like one big family and you learn so much from everyone you come across — branch officers, colleagues, people at conference, UNISON staff. I’ve been influenced by so many people.
“There’s a real diversity of views but with it a unity and desire to work together. And you learn to laugh in the difficult times.”
