As one involved in the 1984 Miners Strike I was always proud of the stand made by the NUM and being counted alongside the miners in South Wales. The union here had a long tradition, a rich history of internationalism, of fighting up for its members as well as those in other industries and countries.
As a representative of the Neath, Swansea and Dulais Valley Support Group I went with others to raise money to sustain the strike at home. It was here I had the good fortune to meet members of Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners who had faced danger and made sacrifices to raise money to help our cause. Following these first meetings representatives of LGSM came to our support group to witness first hand the challenges faced by the families of miners on strike. Despite the fears expressed by some our communities welcomed these representatives warmly, in gratitude for what they were doing for us. Other visits and donations followed from these sincere people.
So moved were the miners in our area that, in a spontaneous act of friendship, they and their families travelled to London to join LGSM at ´Pride’ just after the strike in 1985.
Further, in more formal recognition of the friendships which had developed between Gay people and many collieries across all coalfields, the NUM used it’s block vote to end the harassment of Gay people at the next Labour Party Conference. In so doing it arguably began the ´modern’ march for equality enjoyed by Gay women and Men today. Of course, that was no mere act of gratitude but a calculated act in Solidarity with a Group facing harassment and discrimination.
As someone involved all those years ago I retain an admiration for our union, the NUM, and the thousands of brave mining families who took part then. But I also recall all those disparate groups who helped us back then.
This is why I am particularly pleased to note the Durham Miner’s Gala will have it’s own Pride bloc this year. The Durham Miners Association have this year chosen the theme ‘working class resilience, solidarity and unity’. The Associations theme will be no better expressed by seeing LGSM, with their many younger supporters, marching alongside all those others who have made the conscious decision to fight for social justice and equality their outlook in life.
Well done the Durham Miners Association.
Well done members of LGSM, past and present.
Solidarity forever.
Dai Donovan.
South Wales miner and member of the Neath, Swansea and Dulais Valley Miners Support Group.