In a show of solidarity with Uganda’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community, delegates to this year’s RMT LGBT Member’s Conference (Blackpool, May 18th) linked up via Skype video with one of the most prominent and courageous advocates for LGBT rights in Uganda, Frank Mugisha.

In an inspiring and moving question and answer session, Frank - winner of the 2011 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award and 2011 Rafto Prize - spoke about the advocacy work of Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG), and the relentless determination of the LGBT community in Uganda, who continue to organise, take action, and fight back against discrimination, persecution, and state and religious-sponsored homophobia.

In December, RMT activists staged a demonstration outside of the Uganda High Commission in London and delivered a petition letter calling on President Yoweri Museveni, and his parliamentarians, to renounce the notorious Anti-Homosexuality “Kill the Gays” Bill, and stop persecuting LGBT people in Uganda.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“RMT is strongly committed to supporting campaigns against homophobia and building solidarity links with LGBT rights’ campaigners and trade unionists around the world.”