ATU Celebrates Pride Month
On June 28, 1969, the first major protest for LGBTQIA+ rights was born. After a police raid of a popular gay club in New York City called the Stonewall Inn turned violent after members of the LGBTQIA+ community and sympathizers fought back. Although we have come such a long way, even today, LGBTQIA+ people are still under constant attack, especially trans people and people of color.
LGBTQ+ Heroes
This Pride Month in June, the ATU was honored to recognize our own LGBTQ+ members who have made a difference in their Locals, our Union, and their communities. By being proudly themselves, they are showing that no matter who you are, you’re deserving of dignity and respect. Thank you for contributing to a more just world.
George DeCuir — Local 1546-Baton Rouge, LA
Local 1546-Baton Rouge, LA, Brother George DeCuir (he/him) has served the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) for over 11 years as a Bus Operator. Wanting to advocate for his fellow members, he ran and was elected as the Local Vice President. Recognizing his leadership skills, members elected Brother DeCuir as the Local’s President/Business Agent. During his tenure, the Local has expanded from 100 to over 500 members. Brother DeCuir has successfully negotiated contracts for LSU Tiger Trails and First Student, and most recently led CATS workers through a six-day strike to demand fairness and respect on the job. His leadership reflects strength, discipline, and deep commitment to labor justice. Brother DeCuir has assisted other Locals in the region in organizing efforts, and he currently serves as Vice President of the Louisiana Legislative Conference. Proud and out, Brother DeCuir has demonstrated an unwavering advocacy for working people, the ATU, and the entire labor movement.
Latrelle Gibson — Local 587-Seattle, WA
Brother Latrelle Gibson (he/him) joined Local 587-Seattle, WA, when he was hired as a Transit Operator for King County Metro in 2001 to follow his lifelong love for public transit and its history. Brother Gibson serves as the first out and proud Recording Secretary of his Local and is a founding member and current Vice President of the Local 587 Black Caucus. His enthusiasm for historic buses led him to become Director of MEHVA-Metro Employees Historic Vehicle Association, which preserves its historic buses and provides excursions for the public. Brother Gibson has also played a key role in renewing the Local’s call for better safety in the wake of Local 587 Brother Shawn Yim’s tragic stabbing death late last year. We applaud Brother Gibson for his commitment and dedication to fighting for inclusion and diversity for our members, his Local, and our Union.
Leigh-Ann Hearne — Local 113-Toronto, ON
Sister Leigh-Ann Hearne (she/her/hers) joined our Local 113-Toronto, ON, in the fall of 2014, beginning her journey as a Professional Bus Operator with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC). She later expanded her expertise by transitioning into Subway operations. Sister Hearne’s dedication to community service and leadership quickly became evident, leading her to take on roles as a Bus Divisional Trainer and playing a key role in the Local 113 LGBTQ+ Committee. “I started in community service as a young child, watching my parents volunteer in the various community groups. My grandmother always fed and clothed the needy without batting an eye,” said Sister Hearne. “These early experiences nourished my personal journey into serving my community after I immigrated from Jamaica to Canada in 2011. Giving back was instilled in me from birth. It’s who I am.” As a proud Black Queer woman, Sister Hearne values the safe and inclusive environment Local 113 fosters for advancement regardless of one’s identity. Her experience and dedication within her Local have deepened her resilience and commitment to the collective strength of the ATU.
Johnny Reese — Local 1277-Los Angeles, CA
Johnny Reese (he/him) moved to the West coast from the Boston area in 2015 and took a job as a Train Dispatcher at Metrolink. Frustrated by the lack of respect and poor work-life balance, Reese recognized a Union would give him and his fellow workers a voice in the workplace. He reached out to our Local 1277-Los Angeles, CA, and played a key role in the organizing drive to join our Union. In July 2019, after waging a campaign, Brother Johnny Reese and other Metrolink Dispatchers, Chief Dispatchers and Communication Coordinators joined our Local 1277. After successfully taking part in the negotiating of Metrolink’s first contract for this work group, Brother Reese was elected as Shop Steward for the Chief Train Dispatchers in 2019. Proud and out, Brother Reese represented Local 1277 at the first-ever ATU International Pride Caucus meeting in New Orleans, LA, earlier this year. We thank Brother Reese for his work to promote tolerance and acceptance of all people in his Local, our Union, and the community.
Shana Harris — Local 308-Chicago, IL
Shana Harris, who goes by Shay (she/her), has been an out and proud member of Local 308-Chicago, IL, for the past six years. She currently works as a Rail Janitor with the Chicago Transit Authority. Sister Harris’ journey within the ATU has been one of growth, learning, and commitment. She recently stepped into the role of Shop Steward, driven by her passion for understanding the inner workings of our Union and advocating for her peers. Beyond her work duties, Sister Harris stays involved by volunteering her time in organizing events for the Local to bring members together. For this year’s Pride Month, Sister Harris’ contributions take on a special and inspiring significance as she and a few other colleagues helped establish Local 308’s first-ever Pride Caucus. This initiative aims to create a supportive and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ members within the Local, bringing about dialogue, understanding, and unity. We salute Sister Harris for her leadership and dedication to creating a workplace, Union, and community where everyone feels seen, celebrated, and valued.