EQUALITY

Need Advice? Call the Equality Commission’s Discrimination Advice Line for Help

If you have faced discrimination due to your sexual orientation or gender identity, the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland is here to help and has a dedicated discrimination advice line to provide people with support and guidance.

Last year, the Equality Commission discrimination line received over 3,000 calls from across Northern Ireland from people concerned about discrimination in workplaces and when accessing goods and services.

Despite the high volume of inquiries, only about 45 calls related to discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Geraldine McGahey, Chief Commissioner at the Equality Commission, said. “Our advice discrimination line does not have a lot of queries from the LGBTQ+ community compared to other equality groups. It may be that people worry about drawing attention to themselves or causing a fuss,” she said.

“We want people to know that we are available if you need advice, if you feel you have been discriminated against or are experiencing harassment or victimisation. By standing up and seeking help, you contribute to challenging and reducing discrimination for yourself and the wider LGBTQ+ community.”

LGBTQ+ individuals in Northern Ireland are legally protected from discrimination in employment and when accessing goods and services, including education, healthcare, housing, and public spaces.

The discrimination advice line provides free confidential advice on how to handle any alleged discrimination. In certain cases the Commission may also be able to provide legal assistance through the courts.

The Equality Commission has supported a range of cases in the past. Examples include a trans woman who settled a sex discrimination case against a major department store after being rejected at the interview stage due to her gender identity.

In another case, a male couple sought advice after experiencing harassment and unsafe conditions at home, leading to escalating attacks on their property.

The Chief Commissioner emphasized the importance of seeking help quickly.

“While most issues can be resolved without the need to go through the courts, there are time limits for bringing legal action so it is important that you act quickly if you feel you have been a victim of discrimination. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, we are just a phone call away.”

If you need help or wish to make a discrimination complaint, call the advice line on 028 90 500 600.