lgb&t news June 2015
Where is our promised Sexual Orientation Strategy and Action Plan? The Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998 and since then the Northern Ireland (NI) Executive has time and time again committed themselves to the formulation and introduction of a sexual orientation strategy and action plan. 17 years later and the lesbian, gay and bisexual community are still waiting. In 2006, under Westminster direct-rule, OFM/DFM developed a draft strategy and action plan which underwent public consultation. Following the completion of the consultation process, devolution was restored to the NI Assembly and as a consequence the draft strategy and action plan was shelved. LGB sector organisations and trade unions have continually lobbied NI Executive Ministers to introduce a sexual orientation strategy and action plan and this campaign has been stepped up in recent years. The NIPSA LGB&T Group have made numerous representations on this issue to OFM/DFM and its Ministers through a number of fora. Unfortunately, OFM/DFM Ministers continue to commit themselves to the introduction of a strategy but with every date set, we see it come and go. Continued on Page 3 Ref A4_0535
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Chairperson’s message Welcome to this conference edition of the NIPSA LGB&T Group newsletter. The NIPSA LGB&T Group has gone from strength to strength since its inception in autumn 2012.
The LGB&T Group has firmly established itself within the NIPSA family and has made in roads to tackling homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, specifically homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying/harassment, in the workplace. This has been achieved through a programme of education, events and the much needed NIPSA Branch Representatives LGB&T Toolkit.
June 2015
law. NIPSA LGB&T Group recognise and respect all individuals who wish to exercise their human right to freedom of religion whilst it is also important for those to recognise and respect individuals right to freedom from religion. One may argue that sectarianism and many of its manifestations, although visible in many forms, is slowly creeping its way behind closed doors in the formulation and prevention of laws. Repeatedly, elected representatives at all levels of government have used religious dogma to justify discrimination towards the LGB&T communities; using emotive language to describe both LGB relationships and the LGB sexual orientations while at the same time wonder why there has been an increase in the number of homophobic and transphobic hate incidents and hate crimes.
…why Northern Ireland has yet to introduce a Bill of Rights, as facilitated for under the Good Friday Agreement.
Unfortunately, issues affecting LGB&T individuals and their families are the same in 2012 as they are now. The Northern Ireland Executive and the Northern Ireland Assembly has failed the LGB&T communities through: the use of petition of concerns to block the introduction of same-sex marriage; the continual squandering of public money to ban gay men from donating blood; further squandering of money to challenge the right of lesbian and gay couples from adopting while at the same time delaying the introduction of clear adoption guidelines; and the failure to introduce the sexual orientation strategy and action plan. The objections to the introduction of full human and civil rights, not only for LGB&T individuals, is purely related to the failure of some elected representatives and their parties to recognise and understand the importance of separation between religion and civil
One must pose the question why Northern Ireland has yet to introduce a Bill of Rights, as facilitated for under the Good Friday Agreement. A Bill of Rights would recognise all individuals from both the Catholic Community background and the Protestant Community background as equals; all gender identities would be considered to be equal; a lesbian, gay or bisexual individual would be equal to an individual who is heterosexual; all races would be considered equal; and those individuals with a disability would be considered to be equal. The fight for full human and civil rights will continue and the NIPSA LGB&T Group will continue to campaign and lobby for the realisation of those rights for our members. The NIPSA LGB&T Group thank the continued support provided by NIPSA and we would encourage NIPSA members to join us in our fight.
June 2015
‘Gay cake’ row: Judge rules against Ashers bakery On 19 February 2015 the long-awaited judgement on the Lee v Ashers Baking Co Ltd was announced. The Judge ruled that the Christian-run bakery discriminated a gay customer over their refusal to make a cake with a slogan supporting same-sex marriage. Ashers Baking Company, based in County Antrim, were taken to court by gay rights activist, Gareth Lee. A Belfast judge said Ashers were not exempt from discrimination law. Ashers are “conducting a business for profit”, they are not a religious group, the judge said. They were found to have discriminated against Mr Lee on the grounds of sexual orientation.
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The judge said she accepted that Ashers have “genuine and deeply held” religious views, but said that they were not above the law. Responding to the Judgement the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, who provided legal support to Mr Lee, welcomed the decision and said: “this case raised issues of public importance regarding the extent to which suppliers of goods and services can refuse service on grounds of sexual orientation, religious belief and political opinion. The Court’s decision confirms the legal responsibilities on all service providers not to discriminate against their customers on these grounds”.
Where is our promised Sexual Orientation Strategy and Action Plan? In 2014, OFM/DFM went out to consultation to ascertain the need for a sexual orientation strategy and action plan and what key themes required to be addressed in a strategy. This consultation process was completed in June 2014 and once again the process has been stalled at the Executive level.
Sinn Féin, on the other hand, claim to be the party for equality. Yet, what efforts has Sinn Féin made in the advancement of the introduction of a sexual orientation strategy. Very little, from what it appears. Words are not enough when it comes to equality. Anyone can say they are committed to As is the nature with politics in Northern Ireland the introduction of a strategy. What the LGB sector and with a forced mandatory coalition executive, no needs is actions, and not just words. We ask Sinn Executive agreement has been made on a strategy. Féin, if equality and the realisation of LGB rights Lack of agreement does not fall solely at the feet of are so important to you, then where were the castiron guarantees made during all the negotiations, the DUP, Sinn Féin are also culpable. including the Together, Building a United Community. The DUP stand on an anti-gay rights agenda, NIPSA LGB&T Group finds the excuse that the DUP as evident from: the ‘Save Ulster from Sodomy’ are stalling the advancement of a strategy, and campaign; DUP Councillor Maurice Mills’ claims who are solely to blame, as wholly unacceptable. that God punishes the world for homosexuality, LGB&T rights are not a political football that can be blaming the spread of AIDS in Africa on gay people bounced from one side to the other depending on engaging in ‘the abominable and filthy practice the direction of the wind. of sodomy’ while also blaming Hurricane Katrina on the annual LGBTI pride festival in New Orleans; The failure of the NI Executive to represent a minority Iris Robinson’s promotion of the highly dangerous group has once again shone its light on the perceived practice of reparative therapy or the ‘Gay Cure’ and failure of the current political system in Northern her untheological misrepresentation of biblical Ireland. NIPSA LGB&T Group will continue to apply scriptures; Paul Givan’s proposed Conscience Clause the necessary pressure on OFMDFM and its Ministers Bill; not to mention the recent debacle during the to introduce a fit-for-purpose sexual orientation Westminster election campaign where Jim Wells strategy and action plan. linked same-sex relationships and child abuse.
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Equal Marriage Assembly stalls any progress, while polls predict overwhelming support in the Republic’s upcoming referendum NIPSA Annual Delegate Conference 2012 took the step to support same-sex marriage becoming law in Northern Ireland by passing a motion to that effect. The Northern Ireland Assembly has debated four times calling on the legalisation of same-sex marriage, but with each and every attempt the DUP have tabled a petition of concern effectively blocking the passing of any of the motions. During each of these debates, our elected representatives have used emotive language against the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Language, which they have failed to recognise has had a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of LGB&T individuals. Once again, our
elected representatives have failed to recognise any separation between church and state and, as a consequence, have denied a minority community the fundamental civil right to marriage. In the latest NI Assembly motion on same-sex marriage, the results were 47 for the legalisation of same-sex marriage and 49 against. The gap in passing a motion on this issue is slowly narrowing, however, the blatant discriminatory use of Petition of Concern will ensure that the motion will never be passed. We also must not forget those MLAs, from parties that support the legalisation of same-sex marriage, who did not attend for the vote on the motion.
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Amnesty International supporting an event organised by Queen’s Student Union, in support of a “Yes” vote in the Republic’s Same-sex Marriage Referendum which takes place on Friday 22nd May.
It is unfortunate that due to the failure of our legislature to move on this issue, the LGB&T community has been left with no other option but to pursue a case in the High Court. A case was lodged in January 2015 and is currently ongoing. At the time of publication citizens in the Republic of Ireland were going to the polls on Friday 22nd May 2015 to vote on the Equal Marriage referendum. Early indications suggest that voters in the south will vote in favour and therefore Northern Ireland will be the only place in these isles to not afford the right of marriage to same-sex couples.
The campaign in the Republic of Ireland has not only been a success by getting the message out but has also educated Irish citizens and demystified any untruths. Great outreach work has been done with people from all communities and great work has been done by the trade unions, supported by NIPSA activists. The NIPSA LGB&T Group will continue to campaign for same-sex marriage, applying the necessary pressure on our elected representatives, and will work closely with the LGB&T sector groups on this issue. Hopefully, this time next year we will be in the process of legislating for same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
NIPSA Assistant Secretaries Tony McMullan and Geraldine Alexander and NIPSA LGB&T Group member Una Doyle, pictured at the “Vote Yes” event outside Queen’s University
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June 2015
Harassment & Bullying
Workplaces can be hostile places for LGB&T staff. Homophobic, transphobic and biphobic harassment and bullying at work is still the most common negative experience for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans workers. Sexual orientation and gender identity is often missing from bullying and harassment policies. Bullying and harassment are one of the most serious issues for trade unions to tackle but one of the most difficult. Although the law now makes bullying and harassment unacceptable and illegal, all too often LGB&T members will be accused of being oversensitive and lacking a sense of humour if they challenge or complain about harassment and bullying. Bullying and harassment can include criticism, exclusion, isolation and a whole raft of intimidating and undermining tactics. It affects people’s health and their ability to do their job or attend work.
What constitutes homophobic bullying and harassment? NIPSA’s LGB&T Branch Representatives Toolkit identifies a number of ways through which bullying and harassment can be experienced, including:
●● homophobic language,comments and jokes; ●● asking intimate questions about someone’s personal or sexual life; ●● assumptions that everyone is heterosexual; ●● gossip and speculation about someone’s sexuality; ●● offensive actions and physical attacks; ●● exclusion; ●● homophobic, comments – indirect and direct;
LGB&T workers may hide their feelings by:
●● physical and emotional intimidation;
●● avoidance; ●● ignoring remarks; ●● using humour; ●● hiding their emotions; ●● challenging prejudice head on.
Never suggest that a member: ●● is being too sensitive; ●● does not have a sense of humour; ●● has a chip on their shoulder.
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The Law and Harassment A number of laws provide protection from harassment at work. The Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations (Northern Ireland) (2003) give protection against discrimination and harassment on the grounds of sexual orientation. The Sex Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 1976, as amended (Gender Reassignment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) (1999) gives protection against discrimination and harassment on the grounds of gender reassignment. The Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) places a duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all employees. This includes taking responsibility for the negligent acts of employees. The Protection from Harassment (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 can also be used to deal with extreme cases of harassment at work under criminal law. Where harassment involves physical contact or threat of it, it may be appropriate to take civil or criminal action, e.g. for assault, indecent assault or rape. Under the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008 people who intentionally harass may be guilty of an offence and may face criminal charges.
Tackling harassment and bullying The crucial feature of any strategy to reduce the risk of bullying and harassment is an effective reporting procedure. Without this, the bullied or harassed person will not be confident that anything will be done to solve the problem.
Good practice on harassment and bullying should include: ●● A policy that defines and recognises bullying and harassment. It should explicitly refer to homophobia and transphobia. ●● A statement that bullying and harassment will not be tolerated. ●● A confidential complaints procedure. This will enable people to make a complaint without fear of reprisal. ●● The complaints procedure having informal and formal procedures. ●● A facility for trade union representation at all stages of the procedure. ●● A commitment to publicity and training. ●● A clear statement to all service users that homophobia, transphobia and biphobia is not acceptable.
LGB&T Branch Representatives Toolkit
For further information see the NIPSA LGB&T Branch Representatives Toolkit http://www.nipsa.org.uk/NIPSA-in-Action/LGBT/Branch-Representatives-Toolkit
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June 2015
NIPSA LGB&T Toolkit To Empower Branch Representatives
LGB&T Branch Representatives Toolkit
On 26 February 2015 the NIPSA LGB&T Group launched its toolkit. The toolkit is written for all branch reps and aims to empower branch reps to effectively resolve workplace issues based on sexual orientation or gender identity at the same time enable positive change to workplace culture on LGB&T matters. A useful information and training tool, this toolkit is the first step of many, by the NIPSA LGB&T Group, towards the realisation of full social, economic, political and cultural rights. The toolkit is available to download from the NIPSA website at: http://www.nipsa.org.uk/NIPSA-in-Action/LGBT/ Branch-Representatives-Toolkit Section 3: Health and Wellbeing 80
Domestic and Sexual Violence
Prevalence of Drug Use in LGB&T and NI Population aged 15-64 (%)
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Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial, or emotional) between adults, aged 18 and over, who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender and sexuality. Family members include an individual’s mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, and grandparents, whether directly related, in-laws, or step-family.
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The prevalence of domestic abuse in lesbians and gay relationships is about the same as experienced by heterosexual women. There has been less research into the experience of bisexual and trans individuals, although, it is accepted that both bisexual and trans individuals may also experience violence and abuse.
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The perpetrators of the abuse may be current or ex-partners (these may be either a same-sex partner or, particularly for women, a former heterosexual male partner or family members such as parents or siblings). Where family members and wider community are identified as possible perpetrators, this may be considered as links with so-called ‘honour’ based violence.
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There may be specific risks to LGB&T victims of domestic abuse that occur where a perpetrator(s) use a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity against them. The perpetrators use this an effective tool by which to exercise power and control in a relationship. Examples include, but not limited to:
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Key Possible Reasons for Alcohol, Drug and Substance Abuse Research has shown that the key possible reasons are: ●
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threats to ‘out’;
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fears that no-one will help because someone ‘deserves’ the abuse;
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claiming that domestic abuse is a ‘normal’ part of LGB&T relationships;
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undermining someone’s sense of identity; or
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controlling someone’s access to social networks, particularly with regard to sexual orientation or gender identity.
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A power and control wheel (see next page) can be a useful tool to visualise the pattern of abuse and violent behaviours an individual may experience in their relationship.
stigma, homophobia, harassment, and bullying;
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access to services; and
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the LGB&T social scene.
Ashamedly, sections of society widely regard LG&B individuals as inferior to heterosexual individuals and are treated as thus. Trans individuals experience a higher level of prejudice. This stigma causes emotional and psychological distress on individuals and may be a significant contributory factor for higher levels of alcohol and drug misuse by LGB&T individuals.
Section 3: Health and Wellbeing
LGB&T Branch Representatives Toolkit
Section 3: Health and Wellbeing
LGB&T Branch Representatives Toolkit
Members of NIPSA LGB&T Group pictured at the launch of the LGB&T Branch Representatives Toolkit, earlier this year.
June 2015
The Newry Rainbow Community is looking for office equipment/ supplies The NRC is re-locating to a new Drop-in Centre on Monaghan Street, Newry. This will provide a substantial amount of extra space which will allow us to develop and expand the range of services, supports and programmes delivered. These new premises require significant renovation works and fitting out. If your organisation, or one you know of, is currently, or in the near future, in the process of refurbishment / moving etc. and has equipment or materials that you no longer need, and think that they might be usefully donated to the NRC contact Daimian.McK@gmail.com 07827 667 562.
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Royal College of GPs Launch Guidelines The Royal College of GPs in Northern Ireland (RCGPNI) have produced guidelines for family doctors to support them in delivering care to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans patients. The work was commissioned by the Public Health Agency NI and the development and design of the guidelines has involved members of the LGB&/T community, The Rainbow Project, HereNI, SAIL, The Regional Gender & Identity Clinic, GPs, Nurses, Consultants and lay patient representatives who have an interest in Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland. Every GP practice in Northern Ireland is being sent a copy of the guidelines as well as the HSC LGB&T poster. So if you don’t see the poster up in your local practice, why not ask? The guidelines for LGB Patients and Trans Patients are available at http://www.rcgp. org.uk/policy/rcgp-policy-areas/lgbt.aspx
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June 2015
Pride Festivals Belfast Pride Festival
2015
24 July to 2 August 2015
Parade: Saturday 1 August 2015
Foyle Pride Festival 24-30 August 2015
Parade: Saturday 29 August 2015
Newry Pride Festival 17 to 23 August 2015
Parade: Saturday 22 August 2015
Other Events Reassembled: Slightly Askew Reassembled…is a mind-blowing autobiographical, audio-based performance about Shannon Yee’s experience of falling critically ill with a rare brain infection, her journey through rehabilitation and living with an acquired brain injury. Some of the performances are free (Downpatrick, Portstewart, Lisburn). Shannon is an out artist who is infamous as herself and Grainne were the first couple in the UK to have their civil partnership.
Tour Dates 1-6 June; Island Arts Centre, Lisburn (www.islandartscentre.com) Late Aug/Early Sept (dates TBC); Arts & Disability Forum’s BOUNCE! Festival, Belfast (www.adf.ie)
Quire Performance Quire Performance on 6th June in Theatre at the Mill http://www. theatreatthemill.com/ You are cordially invited to join us, Quire Belfast, to celebrate our 10th Birthday as Northern Ireland’s only LGBT choir. Sit back and enjoy a selection of our 10 year repertoire of hits including ‘Like A Prayer’ by Madonna, ‘Let It Go’ made popular by the hit movie Frozen, and the classic by Labi Siffre ‘Something Inside So Strong’. The evening culminates in the premiere of our commissioned piece composed by local artist Loreto McAuley. We are also delighted to welcome Gloria, Dublin’s LGBT choir, to join us on stage. A definite must see musical night to remember... Put on your best party suit/ frock and come join our big birthday bash!
Tickets £13.50/£11.50 concession
June 2015
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Groups Contact listings for some groups that meet across Northern Ireland
Belfast Deja VuVu This is a meet up group for lesbian and bi women where group members suggest outings, activities and issue an open invitation. It is quite active with regular meet ups – walks, cinema, plays, darts, come dine with me type events. You need to join the online group to get information http://www.meetup. com/Deja-vu-vu Mainly in Belfast but not exclusively.
The Rainbow Project The Rainbow Project in Belfast & Derry provides a range of services including sexual health screening, counselling, support, information and training http://www.rainbow-project.org/
HERe NI Lesbian & Bi Women’s Belfast Writers Group
Newry GLYNI A range of drop in and group activities for young people from 16 – 25 years. http://www.glyni.org.uk
YouthAction Out and About Young Women’s Group Targeted at young women from 16-25, the group meets in Belfast regularly with a new group now in Enniskillen. http://www.youthaction.org/dynamic/ programmemain.aspx?Author=GE&pr og=109&ParCat=22&pid=5 or contact Gail@YouthAction.org
Derry HERe NI runs a lesbian & bi women’s peer support group, in partnership with Derry Well Woman and a Writers Group for LB women in the Foyle Area. New members welcome. www.hereni.org
meets up once a month at the Here NI office to share a love of reading and writing. www.hereni.org
HERe NI Foyle Writers’ Group
HERe NI Family Group
Live & Let Live Meeting
The HERe NI Family group is our longest running group being established in 2009. In response to the baby boom that’s happened in the lesbian community over the past number of years, we have also held a baby and toddler group meeting. There are a range of social activities each month. For more info contact www.hereni.org.
HERe NI Wow Group Meet on the first Wednesday of the month. All over 30’s ladies are welcome to attend the range of social activities and workshops which run throughout the year. For more info contact cara. mccann@hereni.org.
Queer Space Inspace Drop In Takes place on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of every month from 3.30 – 6pm in Belfast LGB&T Centre. An informal drop in open to LGB&T people for a coffee and chat. http://www.queerspace.org. uk/
…meets regularly. For more info contact www.@hereni.org …every Tuesday in Foyle Rainbow Centre at 8.30pm for LGB&T people who have a desire to recover from alcohol or narcotic additions. www.rainbow-project.org
The Rainbow Project The Rainbow Project facilitates a mixed youth group for young LGB&T people. The group meets on a Tuesday and Wednesday evening from 5-7pm in a well-managed safe environment at our Foyle Centre, as well as organising and participating in other projects both locally and regionally, including residential events with other youth groups from across Northern Ireland and further afield. For more information, contact Susan on 028 7128 3030 or email susan@rainbow-project.org
Trans Derry …meets every Thursday in Foyle LGBT Centre https://www.facebook.com/ groups/Transderry/
The Rainbow Centre A LGB&T women’s group meets every Thursday evening in the Rainbow Centre Newry and For more information please contact Nuala Devenny either by phone: 028 9031 9030 or email: nuala@ rainbow-project.org The Rainbow Centre in Newry run regular events in the Centre and hold a monthly club night in Bellinis www.gaynewry.com.
Enniskillen Ark Erne
HERe NI Lesbian & Bi Women’s Fermanagh based group. If you are interested please contact www.hereni. org or call 028 9024 9452.
Omagh A LGB&T peer group in Omagh meets the last Wednesday of every month. For more information please contact Nuala Devenny either by phone: 028 9031 9030 or email: nuala@rainbow-project. org
Strabane Strabane LGB&T have regular drop in sessions and activities in their centre. Contact Gina at the Centre for info www.strabanelgbt.net
Craigavon HERe NI Lesbian & Bi Women’s Craigavon …based group runs in partnership with the Chrysalis Women’s Centre. Takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. New members are always welcome. Contact www.hereni.org for more info. Gender Essence offers support and a drop in at LGBT Centre in Waring St https://w w w.faceb o ok .com/ groups/25049822043
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about lgb&t
June 2015
Who we are / Why we exist
●● We are a group of NIPSA members who are LGB&T and family/friends of LGB&T. ●● We promote the wellbeing of LGB&T people in NI, a quarter of whom have attempted suicide, almost half of whom have reported that they contemplated suicide, a third had self harmed and almost three quarters reported having depression. ●● We campaign against bullying and harassment, discrimination, domestic violence and hate crime. ●● We are here to challenge Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia. ●● We promote acceptance and mutual respect in the workplace where it has been shown that 1 in 4 LGB&T people report feeling harassed.
What we have achieved ●● We produced a Branch Reps Toolkit on LGB&T issues in the workplace, available on the NIPSA website. ●● We held a dignity at work event to highlight lack of equality for, and ongoing harassment of LGB&T people in the workplace. ●● We engaged with and pressurised Stormont on their lack of engagement and action on their commitments to produce a Sexual Orientation Strategy and Action Plan. ●● We ensure our voice is heard and successfully collaborate with other organisations and Unions e.g. The Rainbow Project, The Equality Commission, Cara-Friend, SAIL, AffirmNI.
Join NIPSA LGB&T Group Confidential Email: lgbt.group@nipsa.org.uk Confidential Tel: 028 9068 6566
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Views expressed in this Newsletter are not, unless otherwise stated, the views of NIPSA.