Four Steelworkers proudly participated in the 31st ILGA World Conference held in Cape Town, South Africa, this past November. The delegation included Dexter Hunlin from Local 6673 in District 3, Tomy Hyacinthe Bezeau-Héroux from Local 7401 in District 5, Mayson Fulk from Local 2699 in District 6 and USW staff representative Brett Barden. This year’s conference, themed “Kwa Umoja We Rise,” (united we rise) a Swahili phrase celebrating unity and collective progress, was the largest in ILGA’s history, bringing together over 1,450 delegates from more than 100 countries.
For five unforgettable days, the conference united 2SLGBTQIA+ human rights activists, policymakers, government representatives and allies from around the globe. Steelworkers stood proudly alongside other unions to confront the rising tide of anti-rights movements with resilience, determination and an unwavering commitment to equality and justice.
The week began with the trade union pre-conference, where unions came together to strategize against the global anti-2SLGBTQIA+ backlash and strengthen support for 2SLGBTQIA+ workers and communities. Together, unions reinforced the importance of solidarity, critically important to both the labour and queer rights movement. These discussions reaffirmed that equality must remain at the heart of the labour movement.
Steelworker delegates participated in transformative pre-conferences focused on trans rights, Indigenous perspectives, Francophone issues, youth engagement and more. Among them, Mayson Fulk took the stage during the trans pre-conference, contributing to a powerful panel on trans rights across North America and the Caribbean. Dozens of sessions provided invaluable opportunities for learning, exchanging ideas and building connections that will strengthen our union, workplaces and communities.
Throughout the week, we were inspired by voices from trade unionists, politicians, activists and spiritual leaders from diverse backgrounds. Speaker after speaker recognized and celebrated the labour movement’s solidarity with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Time and again, it’s labour activists who show up as reliable allies when support is most needed.
From Canada to countries around the world, the message was clear: the rise of anti-gay and anti-trans movements, often driven by well-funded right-wing interests, demands a strong response. The labour movement is stepping up to play a vital role in pushing back on these attacks and advancing equality.
ILGA World reinforced our shared commitment to global solidarity and real, lasting change. Together, we must continue pushing forward for a world where everyone works with dignity, pride and equality.
Here’s what our Steelworkers delegation had to say about their experience at the conference:
“The ILGA world conference was an amazing experience and meeting people who share the same desire to live free and to be safe in their workplace is indescribable. It also opened my eyes into how lucky we are in Canada but also showed me how much work we need to do, especially in light of our current political climate,” said Dexter Hunlin, USW Local 6673, District 3.
“This event allowed us to work in collaboration with unions and activists from around the world to advance gender rights, identification and sexual orientation that concerns many workers. Our union, in collaboration with international unions, has the real power to make a difference and fight for the rights for both women and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. This was an eye-opening conference for me. I learned so much and feel more empowered to make a difference fighting for both women and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities,” said Tomy Hyacinthe Bezeau-Héroux, USW Local 7401.
“Trade unions have always been instrumental when it comes to fighting for the rights of marginalized, disenfranchised and equity-seeking groups. Both the information and the connections made at ILGA World will be incredibly valuable to me and our union. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our union for supporting and empowering me to participate in such an incredible experience. I am deeply grateful and proud to have the backing of my union as I continue this very important work,” said Mayson Fulk, USW Local 2699, District 6.
“One of the most important lessons I took from ILGA World is the understanding that the fight for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights is not limited to one group. It is the fight for justice, it is the fight for dignity, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, race or class. Across Canada, we’ve witnessed how anti-rights and anti-gender movements unite under a shared agenda to oppose gender equity, SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity and expression) rights, and reproductive freedom. ILGA World reminded us that this is a global challenge, highlighting the urgent need for solidarity. As trade unionists, we have a critical role to play in standing together to pushback on these attacks and support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” said Brett Barden, USW staff representative.
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