A Movement Taking Root ATU International Pride Caucus Marks Milestone Weekend in Toledo
History was made in Toledo, OH, as the ATU International Pride Caucus convened its second-ever conference, bringing together LGBTQIA+ transit workers and allies from across North America for a weekend of organizing, solidarity, and celebration.
From Las Vegas to Toledo: A Caucus on the Rise
The road to Toledo started with a conversation. From the initial organizing discussions in Las Vegas to the historic first meeting in New Orleans, the ATU International Pride Caucus has been steadily building and shows no signs of slowing down.
ATU International President John Costa addressed attendees with a message that captured the moment: “When we held our first-ever Pride Caucus meeting in New Orleans, it was historic. Now we’re at meeting number two. That’s not a small thing. That’s a movement taking root.”
Costa was joined by International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo and Vice Presidents Gary Johnson, Michael Cornelius, and Carly Allen.
Honoring Champions: The Closing Banquet
The conference closed with a banquet recognizing outstanding contributions to LGBTQIA+ rights and advocacy. Caucus President Michael Mackay presented three awards bearing names that carry deep meaning in the history of queer and civil rights movements.
International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo received the Harvey Milk Award for Outstanding Leadership Advancing LGBTQIA+ Rights. Local 1546-Baton Rouge, LA, President/Business Agent George DeCuir received the Marsha P. Johnson Award for Outstanding Trailblazer of LGBTQIA+ Community Advocacy. And International Secretary Treasurer Ken Kirk received the Bayard Rustin Award for a Prominent Leader. IST Kirkwas unable to attend, so International President Costa accepted the award on his behalf.
Costa offered closing remarks that looked both backward and forward. “From the first conversations in Las Vegas to a banquet stage in Toledo, look how far this caucus has come. Your work is seen, your leadership matters, and this Union has your back. We’ll see you in Seattle, bigger, stronger, and more united than ever.”
The ATU Sees You
Congratulations to Caucus President Mackay and the entire officer team for making the conference a reality, and to every member who showed up. In a moment when the LGBTQIA+ community is under attack, visibility and solidarity matter more than ever. Every movement needs its champions. Throughout the weekend in Toledo, the ATU International Pride Caucus proved it has plenty. Solidarity forever.