The Art of Solidarity: UFCW OUTreach holds first-ever educational conference
Philadelphia, Penn. – October 6, 2025 – UFCW union activists from across the United States and Canada gathered in Philadelphia from October 2-5 to participate in UFCW OUTreach’s first-ever education conference; UFCW OUTreach is the union’s constituency group dedicated to advocating for the union’s 2SLGBTQ+ members and allies. Over the course of three days, participants heard from speakers and panels and participated in workshops over the current challenges facing 2SLGTQ+ workers and how to build a stronger union.
“LGBTQ+ rights are under attack,” said UFCW International President Milton Jones in his welcoming address. “[The US] administration is working aggressively to push people they perceive as ‘other’, out of the American mainstream, including by challenging Pride displays, questioning transgender people’s rights. We know for many workers in our community that discrimination remains an everyday reality. That’s why it’s more important than ever that we stand united, and why the work of UFCW OUTreach has never been more vital.”
Keynotes speakers included Congresswoman Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of the US Congress and Pennsylvania State Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, the first openly LGBTQ+ person of colour elected to the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Panelists included Dr Eli Green, of the Transgender Training Institute and Fae Johnstone of Queer Momentum in Canada. Participants attended workshops on bargaining, anti-discrimination, solidarity and inclusion.
“All across the world, the rights of workers, the rights of queer and trans people, and the rights of many marginalized groups are under attack. Now is the time for solidarity, to come together,” says Fae Johnstone in the video below. “Right now, my invitation for our friends in labour is to be in the streets struggling with us. Labour is organized, labour knows how to change hearts and minds, and if we can lean into that solidarity energy, we can overcome everything that these billionaires are throwing at us.”
Members honoured the career of outgoing UFCW OUTreach chair Michelle Kessler, who has lead OUTreach since its inception at the 2013 UFCW International Convention, and her dedication to 2SLGBTQ+ worker advocacy.
“This is our first-ever educational conference and it’s been a long time in the making,” says incoming OUTreach chair Nikki Rigano in the video below. “I’m super proud to have everyone from all walks of life in this space, and being open, and willing to take back knowledge. It’s empowering for the members – it’s important to know that this union is inclusive, that you belong. It’s not about fitting in, it’s about belonging. Everything is intersectional: we are all linked, people are people, and we need to show dignity and respect to all people”
UFCW OUTreach is a constituency group dedicated to building mutual support between our union’s international, regions, and locals and the Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (2SLGBTQ+) communities and their allies in order to come together to organize for social and economic justice for all, regardless of age, race, gender, creed, colour, immigration status, gender expression, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Together, we will ensure full equality for 2SLGBTQ+ workers on their jobs and in their unions. Learn more about UFCW OUTreach.
