The NEU hosted its annual LGBT+ Equalities Sector conference from the evening of Friday 6th February 2026 to the afternoon of Sunday the 8th, in the Eastside Rooms conference venue, Birmingham.
This would be my 4th LGBT+ conference… but my first as part of the Organising Forum that plans and runs the event – having been voted in as one of the three Organising Forum reps for the West Midlands last year.
Photo Credits: Jess Hurd
Going to my first LGBT+ conference (down in Bristol in 2022) that started me on my NEU journey at Branch and District level… being surrounding by LGBT+ educators makes you feel less “alone” compared to being at school (where you may be the only LGBT+ member of staff).
Attending any equalities conference builds your confidence and is an opportunity to participate in CPD (much of which is delivered by members, for members)… which “lights fires”… if you self-ID as disabled, LGBT+ or Black, you should get details about how to apply – so keep an eye out for next year’s equalities conferences.
LGBT+ members have been particularly successful here – we are over-represented at school level (a higher % of reps are LGBT+ compared to the general membership), at Branch and District level (a higher % of branch/district officers/Secretaries are LGBT+) and even on the National Executive.
I helped deliver the LGBT+ Officer Taster session, which was evenly mixed between LGBT+ Officers just starting in the role (and wanting some support) and members thinking about taking up the role next year. Everyone who attended planned to be come LGBT+ Officer (just as I did back in 2022).
As a member of the Organising Forum (OF), I was a ‘Carer Captain”, meaning I took charge of organising the “Carers” – OF members who attended sessions to ensure any needs/issues/clashes were solved there and then.
I was also “in charge” of the Karaoke – which is one of the social events of the Friday “Welcome Evening”, along with regional receptions – I helped host the West Midlands reception – which was merged with East Midlands (that was a full room). There are “quieter” events too… there is a very popular Queer Quiz and this year there were crafting and board games events.
Throughout the weekend, there was an Exhibitors area, where members could network and access support from groups such as TransActual, Stand Up to Racism, Black & Brown Rainbow, The Proud Trust, Just Like Us, Pop’n’Olly, Pride & Progress (who also hosted their podcast at the LGBT+ conference), School’s Out (who organise LGBT+ History Month), and Pride in Education.
Saturday
Photo Credits: Jess Hurd
A day of CPD took place on the Saturday, along side speeches from Daniel Kebede (the NEU General Secretary) and Ed Harlow (the NEU President), where Daniel also answered member’s questions.
We also hosted caucuses (groups focused on various intersectionalities e.g. LGBT+ migrants, Black LGBT+ Educators, Aro/Ace Spectrum, Trans & Non-binary, Disabled LGBT+),
We held our formal dinner in the evening, followed by the NEU LGBT+ Educators’ awards ceremony, hosted by the legendary Lady Phyll – who set up UK Black Pride.
The evening always ends with a “party” – dancing until the lights go out…
Photo Credits: Jess Hurd
Unfortunately – I didn’t win the prize I was nominated for (Most Inspiring LGBT+ Officer), nor did the West Midlands win “Most Inspiring Region” or “Best Event” for the West Midlands LGBT+ Weekender… but we’ll try again next year.
Sunday
Sunday involved more CPD and caucuses (e.g. People of Faith, Women’s and Bi+, along with a GBT+ Mens session).
But… the big event on the Sunday is the democracy session. This can be a little “dry” for those new to the NEU – but each equality conference can put forward one motion that is taken to Annual Conference to be debated by the full delegation.
This is an opportunity for LGBT+ members to make a difference. A full debate takes place – using the same rules as Annual Conference. Motions are put forward, amendments are tabled, all are debated and voted on. Once we have our “agreed” motions – we then choose ONE.
This year we had motions on:
- Diversity in the KS3 curriculum and KS4-5 exams
- Supporting trans and non-binary educators
- LGBT+ Educators Against the Far Right
- From Planning to Practice: Making LGBT+ Inclusion a Reality in Schools
All were supported and “LGBT+ Educators Against the Far Right” will be taken to Annual Conference.
While I have your attention – please can you start thinking about helping out at the local Pride events – have a look at our Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Calendar for the dates.
Steve Griffiths – Staffordshire NEU – Equalities: LGBT+ Officer, President and Assistance Secretary
Below is a report from a first-time Staffordshire delegate… hopefully it will inspire you to attend in 2027!!
Report on LGBT+ Conference, Birmingham, 6-8 February 2026
We arrived on Friday evening for a buffet, and we were encouraged to sit in regions to facilitate making connections at a national event. It can be daunting to arrive at a national event if you don’t know anyone. Following the meal, we met in our regions and discussed the past year’s successful attendance at Pride events around our region. It was stated how much of a positive impact the stalls had on young people – they didn’t realise some of their teachers were members of the LGBT community. We discussed the dates for this year’s Pride events and were encouraged to attend and volunteer at the stalls. There was an excellent and thought-provoking icebreaker to end the session. This was followed by a quiz and karaoke for everyone who wished to participate.
On Saturday morning, members new to conference were invited to an induction session. At 9.30 Daniel Kebede, General Secretary gave the keynote speech on the state of the union and what 2026 has in store for the education profession – coming together to save Education, the Special Conference and March Together.
Next was a CPD session with a wide choice of subjects such as Tried and Test LGBT+ Inclusive Primary Education, Curriculum through the LGBT+ lens, a District LGBT+ officer taster session, and Intersectional Resistance: Queer People of Colour in Education.
After lunch, there was our next CPD session with topics such as Inclusive Relationships and Sex Education, Decolonising Pride Clubs, Organising against the Far Right and Organising Support Staff.
Following the afternoon session were the first series of caucus meetings for Black members, Aro/Ace members, Trans and Non-Binary members, and Disabled (including Neurodivergent) LGBT+ members.
Later there was a formal 3-course dinner (everyone was welcome to dress up as much or as little as they wanted). This was followed by the LGBT+ Educators’ Awards 2026 Ceremony hosted by Lady Phyll, a prominent LGBT+ advocate who founded the first Black Pride event. An alternative low-sensory space was available with a livestream of the Awards. This was followed by a disco until 1am. Some members went out to the clubs in Gay Village.
Next morning, the other caucus’ met – People of Faith Caucus, GBT+ Men’s session, Women’s Caucus, and Bi+ Caucus. Then the launch of the Coming Out Guide for members. A lovely buffet was provided for lunch, followed by the Democracy Session: LGBT+ Policy Making where members voted on motions proposed by LGBT+ members that will be taken forward to Annual Conference. Closing speeches were given by Kathryn Barnes, National LGBT+ Officer and other members of the LGBT Organising Forum.
These weekends, along with the LGBT+ West Midlands Weekender and attending Pride events and helping on the stalls, are excellent ways to connect with other LGBT+ Educators. A WhatsApp group is usually created for the event, and this is a great way to make connections before and after the event. The LGBT+ Conference is a safe, accessible and welcoming space. I wholly recommend attending these events if you can.
All accommodation, food and travel are paid for by the Union. You must identify yourself as LGBT+ on your member profile to be informed of these events.
Melanie – LGBT+ Conference Delegate