Musicians’ Union (MU) delegates attended this year’s TUC Black Workers’ Conference in April, representing the MU’s BAME members. The 3-day Conference in London was host to delegates from across England, and discussed how to mobilise black workers and communities.
Sherika Sherard moved the MU’s motion, titled Rainbow Racism, calling on the TUC Black Workers Committee to promote Stop Rainbow Racism Campaign’s anti-racism code of practice through their networks, and help end racism in the LGBTQ+ community.
We’re delighted to announce the motion passed.
Find out more about Stop Rainbow Racism Campaign and its anti-racism code of practice.
MU Motion: Rainbow Racism
Racism is a serious problem within the LGBTQ+ community. According to research conducted by FS magazine, 80% of black people, 79% of Asian people and 75% of south Asian people have experienced racism in LGBTQ+ venues.
The Stop Rainbow Racism Campaign was created by activist Chardine Taylor-Stone in response to a cabaret act performed at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern that was described as “nothing more than a minstrel show presented through a 21st century lens”. Chardine created the anti-racism code of practice to give venues and promoters a better understanding of the many forms of racism that exist and to send a clear message that racist acts will not be tolerated.
The face of LGBT Britain is predominately white and male; the LGBTQ+ community includes people of all colours and genders. LGBTQ+ venues must not contribute to the everyday, racism that people of colour face by programming acts that reinforce racist attitudes which exist within the LGBTQ+ community.
Conference asks the TUC Black Workers Committee to:
Promote the anti-racism code of practice through their networks and support the Stop Rainbow Racism Campaign to help end racism in the LGBTQ+ community.