Synopsis

This video examines the systemic challenges faced by lesbians and gay men in the workplace, focusing on the prevalence of discriminatory employment practices, and the role of trade unions in advocating for change. Many participants describe being fired, denied promotions, or ostracized after their sexual orientation was revealed because they had attended marches or had come out publicly. It shows how heteronormative society is, through adverts, public stores, and the visibility of nuclear families throughout public media in a short montage, and the participants use the term "heterosexism" to describe the systemic oppression of queer people through the enforcement of heterosexual norms, which assumes everyone is or should be heterosexual. The intersection of race, disability, and sexuality is explored, with participants noting that black lesbians and gay men face more discrimination and pressure to conform to both racial and heterosexual community expectations.

The video highlights efforts within trade unions, such as NALGO, to organize and advocate for lesbian and gay members, including the establishment of conferences and the creation of resources like "fighting prejudice" packs. Activists advocate for several methods to combat discrimination: from "Equal Opportunities Policies" that push for the inclusion of sexual orientation clauses in official employment statements, to "Heterosexism Awareness Training" to educate staff to recognize and dismantle overt and covert forms of discrimination in the workplace, and finally "Legal and Political Reform" at a State policy level. The film includes segments of the Miner's Strike Protests with support from Queer groups.