Queering Solidarity

The Power of Solidarity in LGBTQ+ and Labor Movements
Liberation Is An Intersectional Journey

In recent years, the intersection of labor and LGBTQ+ rights has become an essential aspect of the fight for justice, equality, and fairness. We recognize that the struggles for worker rights and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community are inextricably linked. We understand that true liberation is not limited to any single group but requires the collective power of marginalized communities coming together.

The labor movement has historically been a force of change, advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to unionize. Similarly, the LGBTQ+ rights movement has sought to secure equality, safety, and dignity for individuals whose identities have long been oppressed. At the intersection of these movements lies the potential to fight for justice for all. Whether it’s advocating for better workplace conditions, fighting for gender and sexual identity protections, or calling for economic equality, both movements have a shared vision of building a more inclusive and equitable world.

For LGBTQ+ individuals, the workplace has been a place of intense struggle, with many facing harassment, discrimination, and violence based on their identity. Employment discrimination remains one of the most significant barriers to economic security for many in the LGBTQ+ community. However, LGBTQ+ workers are not just individuals facing oppression in the workplace; they are also members of the labor force, engaging in the fight to achieve rights, protections, and a better quality of life. By acknowledging this intersection, we can understand that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and labor rights should never be isolated but must be fought together.

It is imperative that we recognize that the path to equality is not singular. The LGBTQ+ movement has often been led by brave individuals who have faced the unique burden of navigating multiple types of oppression such as race, gender, class, or ability. Likewise, the labor movement has historically been shaped by these same intersections, with many workers who identify as LGBTQ+ also struggling against systems of class based exploitation, racism, and gender inequality.

As a society, we can no longer afford to ignore these intersections. It is essential that we work build bridges between the fights for queer liberation and economic justice, as their challenges are linked. Whether it is access to healthcare, a living wage, or the right to be free from discrimination, the collective fight for equity requires that all these issues be addressed simultaneously.

One of the most significant barriers that LGBTQ+ workers face is the prevalence of workplace discrimination. While many legal protections exist, the experience of discrimination on the job still persists. Almost 50% of LGBTQ+ workers have reported experiencing discrimination or harassment at work, with transgender and non-binary  employees reporting workplace mistreatment even higher. 

This reality highlights the importance of labor unions in advancing the rights of LGBTQ+ workers. Unions have the potential to provide critical protections by negotiating strong workplace policies that include non-discrimination clauses, promoting equitable hiring practices, and offering benefits that are inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. But labor unions are not just about workplace protections, they are about building collective power that fights for economic justice. When LGBTQ+ workers organize and join unions, they are not only securing the right to equal treatment but they are also helping to build a stronger, more inclusive labor movement.

We have to work to expand LGBTQ+ inclusion within unions and labor movements. One notable example is Pride at Work, part of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), who has helped to make labor unions more welcoming and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. The work of the Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW) advocates for worker rights at the intersections of race, class, and sexual identity. Supporting organizations such as these serves as a model for how LGBTQ+ rights and labor rights can align and reinforce one another.

The true power of the LGBTQ+ and labor movements lies in the strength of their solidarity. Solidarity means standing together, working together, and fighting for each other’s rights. It means recognizing that the fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and social justice is not separate from the fight for LGBTQ+ rights but it is one and the same.

Solidarity is the cornerstone of meaningful progress. By joining forces with labor organizations and advocating for both LGBTQ+ rights and worker rights, we are building a powerful movement that unites individuals across identities, backgrounds, and industries. This solidarity transcends the workplace and extends to our communities, as we continue to push for policy changes that protect the most marginalized.

The work is far from over, but with each effort, we move closer to building a society where LGBTQ+ individuals and workers are valued, respected, and treated with the dignity they deserve. By working together, we will continue to advance the cause of freedom, equity, and liberation for all.

January: A Month of Advocacy, Empowerment, and Action

As we step into February, we take a moment to reflect on the important work we did in January, a month filled with community engagement, empowerment, and a continued commitment to fighting for justice. The Freedom Center for Social Justice was busy laying the groundwork for a year of progress, and we are proud to share the impact we’ve made together.

Know Your Rights Clinic at St.John’s Baptist Church in partnership with Carolina Migrant Network in Charlotte, NC.

Know Your Rights Clinics in Partnership with Carolina Migrant Network

One of our key initiatives in January was the Know Your Rights Clinics in partnership with Carolina Migrant Network. These clinics were designed to provide vital information and resources to immigrant communities, ensuring that individuals and families are informed about their legal rights in the event of an ICE encounter. By empowering families with the knowledge of what steps to take should a detainer come to their door, we are providing a crucial service that ensures safety, dignity, and human rights in uncertain times. These clinics are being well attended, and we are committed to continuing these efforts throughout the year to protect and support our migrant neighbors.

The Freedom Center for Social Justice at Creating Change 2025 in Las Vegas, NV.

Creating Change 2025

January also saw our team actively engaged in Creating Change 2025, the nation's foremost political, leadership, and skills-building conference for the LGBTQ+ movement. Our Interim Executive Director, Cameron Pruette, and our Director of Emerging Programs Bishop Tonyia Rawls were able to connect with activists, organizations, and leaders from across the country, discussing strategies to advance equality, inclusion, and justice. At the event, we participated in a series of panels and workshops, including the North Carolina Caucus, where we highlighted our work within the state and shared the challenges and victories of our local communities. We are inspired by the connections made and the knowledge shared at Creating Change, and we’re excited to carry this energy into our advocacy efforts in the months ahead.

Cameron Pruette, Interim Executive Director of the Freedom Center for Social Justice with Keith Bullard, Deputy Director of the Union of Southern Service Workers at USSW’s Worker Power Summit 2025

Strengthening Union Work and Advocating for Worker Rights

Our commitment to organizing within labor movements and advocating for workers' rights continued through our strong relationship with unions across the state. We leveraged labor relationships to secure Trans-inclusive benefits in contracts with North Carolina CWA workers in 2024. Our partnership with labor unions such as the the Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW) helps build solidarity between LGBTQ+ communities and organized labor, ensuring that workers, especially those in marginalized communities, have the protections and benefits they deserve. This collaboration is just one example of how we’re working across sectors to bring about lasting, systemic change.

It was an absolute honor to attend the Union of Southern Service Workers’s Worker Power Summit! Their incredible work for labor rights, justice, and equality resonates deeply with our mission at the Freedom Center. We’re inspired by their commitment to empowering low-wage workers and building worker power across the South. We are reminded that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and labor rights are intertwined, as both movements demand equality, dignity, and fair treatment for all.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with USSW as we fight together for fair wages, equal treatment, and the protection of all workers’ rights. The struggle continues, and we’re proud to stand in solidarity with them! 🌟

In our column Queering Solidarity: The Power of Solidarity in LGBTQ+ and Labor Movements - Liberation is an Intersectional Journey, we explore the vital intersection between LGBTQ+ rights and labor movements, emphasizing how collective power can create lasting change. This piece highlights how solidarity between these movements is essential for advancing justice and achieving liberation for all marginalized communities.

The Freedom Center for Social Justice Celebrates Black History Month celebrating the incredible contributions of Black individuals who have shaped history, uplifted communities, and paved the way for future generations while honoring the voices, resilience, and strength of Black leaders, activists, and communities.

Uplifting and Celebrating Black History Month

As we reflect on the work done in January, we are also looking forward to February and the beginning of Black History Month. Throughout the year, our work centers on uplifting and empowering Black communities, especially those at the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. As we continue to fight for justice and equality, we acknowledge the rich history and contributions of Black leaders, activists, and everyday people who have paved the way for progress. This month serves as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and unwavering commitment of Black communities in the fight for equality. From the work we do with labor unions to our commitment to transgender advocacy, we honor the legacy of Black leaders such as Audre Lorde, Bayard Rustin, Marsha P. Johnson, and many others who have shaped the path toward a more just world.

At The Freedom Center for Social Justice, we’re committed to ensuring that our work honors and celebrates Black History Month not just in February, but every single day. By working together, we continue to lift each other up and build a world where justice, equity, and love prevail.

Looking Ahead

January was only the beginning. With your support, we will continue to advocate for workers’ rights, provide essential resources to migrant families, and organize for justice in our communities. We look forward to the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead in 2024 and invite you to continue this journey with us.

As we celebrate Black History Month and reflect on the legacy of the struggles that have brought us here, we also renew our commitment to the work ahead. Let’s keep pushing forward together in solidarity.

Thank you for being part of the Freedom Center for Social Justice community and for all that you do to make the world a better place for everyone.

Support The Freedom Center for Social Justice

As we continue to build a more inclusive and just society, your support is crucial. By donating today, you help sustain the vital programs and initiatives that empower marginalized communities. Every contribution, no matter the size, strengthens our ability to create meaningful change. Join us in this work, and together we can ensure that our mission of advocacy, empowerment, and justice lives on for years to come. Thank you for your continued commitment to making a difference.