A union activist who won recognition for her activism supporting the LGBTQ+ community said that comments made by a labour colleague — seen as disparaging towards attendees of the Bermuda Pride event — had ”tainted“ her award.

Linda Bogle-Mienzer, a labour relations organiser with the Bermuda Public Services Union, spoke after she was saluted as a “trailblazing icon“ at the Bermuda Pride Gala and Icon Awards on Friday — part of a series of events marking the island’s sixth annual Pride celebration.

The ceremony, in the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club hotel, took place a short distance from the 40th annual Labour Day banquet held at the same time by the Bermuda Industrial Union.

Chris Furbert, the BIU president, appeared to make reference to the Pride awards during his closing remarks for the banquet, at which Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, was the night’s keynote speaker.

As reported by TNN, Mr Furbert did not name the event nearby, but told the gathering there was “another banquet” that had almost deterred him from attending because “I didn’t want to be a part of those people”.

Ms Bogle-Mienzer subsequently told TNN: “The comments president Chris Furbert shared reflect a moment of deep disappointment within the labour movement, particularly regarding the intersectionality of workers’ rights and the rights of marginalised communities.”

She said Mr Furbert’s remarks “seemed to undermine the inclusivity and diversity that many within the labour movement strive for”.

Attempts to reach Mr Furbert for comment this week have been unsuccessful.

Ms Bogle-Mienzer told The Royal Gazette yesterday that she had not heard from the union head since the banquet — but that she hoped “he will reflect and offer an apology as the president of a union that believes in equality for all, regardless of what his personal beliefs are”.

She added: “I’ve spent my life as an activist fighting for the rights of everybody. I did not want the award to get overshadowed.

“This is 30 years’ work, and to be recognised as a trailblazer meant a lot to me coming from my own peers.”

She said she felt the awards ceremony had been “tainted by those comments”, adding: “My work will continue. I can assure you of that.

“We walked together in the Labour Day march because we understand intersectionality means we must fight for the right of everybody.”

She said: “As a member of many marginalised groups, I understand I have a responsibility to be the change I want to see in the world.

“I can’t call for equality while fanning the flames of discrimination. We must do better.”

She said it “speaks volumes when we are humble enough to apologise”.

Ms Bogle-Mienzer was hailed as a pioneer by Bermuda Pride in 2021 for her frequent posts on social media and in public discussions on LGBTQ+ issues.

She told the Gazette she was “incredibly proud of my union, which has always been at the forefront of rights for all”.

Renée Webb, a former Progressive Labour Party minister, who failed to get discrimination based on sexual orientation outlawed in 2006, said she had also attended the awards, having been nominated as a trailblazer.

She added: “As a human rights advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ persons to be equal within our society, I am disappointed that we have leaders like Chris Furbert, who dismiss us with asinine, insulting comments.”

Ms Webb said: “Union members, politicians, doctors, lawyers, Blacks, Whites and others are within the LGBTQ+ spectrum in Bermuda.”

Yesterday, an affirmation of support for equal rights for all “regardless of their sexual orientation” was issued by Armell Thomas, the BPSU president.

Mr Thomas said the union stood “firmly committed to the principles of equality, inclusion and respect” alongside the Bermuda Human Rights Commission.

He highlighted: “We are dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that not only respects but celebrates diversity in all its forms.

“This includes the active support and protection of our LGBTQ+ members, who contribute significantly to the strength and vibrancy of our union.”

He added: “It is essential to acknowledge that differing views may exist within our society.

“However, the BPSU remains steadfast in its duty to ensure that the dignity and rights of our LGBTQ+ members are upheld without compromise.

“Our support is not a statement against any individual or group but a reflection of our unwavering commitment to human rights and equality for all.”

Mr Thomas’s statement closed: “We will continue to work in collaboration with all stakeholders to promote understanding, respect and unity within our community.

“The BPSU is and always will be a safe and supportive space for every member, and we encourage open dialogue and mutual respect as we move forward together.”

The Human Rights Commission reminded members of the public yesterday that if they experienced unlawful discrimination owing to any of the protected grounds in section 2(2) of the Human Rights Act, 1981, or if they had questions or would like to submit a complaint, they can contact the HRC’s office in person, by phone 295-5859 or e-mail at info@humanrights.bm.

Discrimination by sexual orientation was prohibited under the island’s human rights legislation in 2013.

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