How Queer Activism Is Changing the Labor Movement.

This article discusses the impact of queer activism on the labor movement, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ workers. It highlights the challenges faced by queer workers, such as low wages, harassment, and difficulty addressing grievances, and how they are turning to unions for support. The article emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and the specific challenges faced by queer workers of color and trans workers. It also addresses the impact of difficult working conditions on LGBTQ+ individuals, including their likelihood of turning to informal economies. The Covid-19 pandemic has further exacerbated economic disparities for LGBTQ+ workers. The article concludes by noting recent advancements in workplace anti-discrimination legislation in the United States and the support of labor organizations for these rights. However, there is concern that these rights could be undermined by employers' religious freedom, and anti-LGBTQ+ organizations have successfully passed laws that roll back queer rights. Queer self-organizing networks within labor have emerged, advocating for anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and greater recognition of queer issues within unions. Building alliances and coalitions between organized labor and LGBTQ+ justice movements is seen as crucial for achieving economic and sexual justice. [Extracted from the article]