An Equity motion to unionise sex workers and decriminalise sex work secured the backing of the union movement last week at the annual TUC LGBT+ Conference.
The motion was brought by Equity’s LGBT+ Committee. It called on the TUC to support unions to organise LGBT+ sex workers; promote union contracts and health and safety standards; and campaign for the full decriminalisation of sex work as a matter of LGBT+ workplace safety and trade union equality. The motion passed, supported by the TUC and seconded by the Bakers Food & Allied Workers Union.
A significant number of sex workers undertaking performance work are LGBT+ workers, including trans and non-binary performers, reflecting both the diversity of the creative industries and the economic marginalisation faced by LGBT+ people. Due to the criminalisation of sex work and the poor terms and conditions in connected work, LGBT+ sex workers are particularly vulnerable to exploitation, unsafe working conditions, harassment and non-payment. Trans and migrant LGBT+ workers face heightened risks of discrimination, profiling and barriers to reporting abuse.
Smashlyn Monroe, Co-Chair of Equity’s LGBT+ Committee, spoke to the motion, saying:
“As unions, it is our responsibility not to decide whose labour is morally acceptable. Our responsibility is to protect workers. Full stop. We do not improve safety by pushing people to the margins. We improve safety through organisation, representation, and decriminalisation.
“If we are serious about harm reduction and workplace safety, then we should be actively supporting efforts to decriminalise sex work. Criminalisation does not stop sex work from existing — it simply makes workers more vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and abuse. Union protection, collective bargaining, and open support save lives.”
The TUC LGBT+ Conference, which this year was held in Brighton from 26-27 June 2026, brings together trade unionists from across the movement to set the TUC LGBT+ agenda for the coming year.
Giovanni Bienne, of Equity’s LGBT+ Committee, also spoke in support of a motion calling for the revision of harmful Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) Guidance, which is published by the Department of Education.
Unionising artists engaged in performance work allied to sex work
The support of the wider union movement will bolster Equity’s work to unionise artists engaged in performance work allied to sex work. At last May’s annual Equity conference in Durham, members passed a motion proposed by Equity’s LGBT+ Committee, to:
- actively encourage artists engaged in performance work that is allied to sex work to join Equity
- explore how the union can better facilitate the unionisation of such artists by advocating for the adoption of union contracts and minimum standards in performance spaces
- work with relevant organisations, including sex worker-led groups and creative industry bodies, and collaborate with other trade unions campaigning for the full decriminalisation of sex work
The union is now moving forward and seeking to progress this work. If you would like to be involved in these discussions, join Equity’s LGBTQIAA+ Network and stay tuned for more info.
For more information about decriminalisation of sex work and the law, visit Decrim Now.
