Breakout Sessions

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Breakout Sessions Breakout Sessions Session One: Session A – Taking control of your own wellbeing through Volunteering and WRAP training, MindWise Room 1 Session B - Nine heads are better than one, Nexus NI Main Room Session C – The only Gay in the village, The Rainbow Project. This room Following coffee break, please make your way to your first session for 11.15am #TFYlearn Together for You – Targeting LGB&/T populations Together for You –Targeting The RainbowLGB&/T Project populations –Promoting the health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexualThe Rainbow and/or Projecttransgender –Promoting people and the healththeir families and wellbeing in Northern of lesbian, Ireland. gay, bisexual and/or transgender people and their families in Northern Ireland. Who are we? Ireland’s largest LGB&/T organisation –2 bases Established in 1994 Official change in September 2012 Charity Commission registered in 2014 Our Vision The Rainbow Project’s vision is of a society free from homophobia, heterosexism and transphobia where all people are recognised as equals. Who are we? Mission Statement The Rainbow Project aims to promote the health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people and their families in Northern Ireland, as well as those questioning their orientation or gender, through partnership, advocacy and the development and delivery of appropriate support services. Values Our role Sub –contracted partner –LGB&/T intervention • 4 Social and Peer Support groups in areas with limited/no LGB&/T social and peer support • 60 people beneficiaries of one to one support or social support • 6 emotional health and wellbeing workshops for LGB&/T people • 4 personal development programmes for LGB&/T people • 360 total support contacts Our role – Progress • 3/4 groups have been developed so far • 33/60 Beneficiaries so far • 6 Workshops (lower numbers than anticipated so more workshops planned to increase numbers) • 1/4 Personnel development programme completed • Support contacts 240/360 What has worked well? • Building on TRP outreach model • Flexibility and support throughout project (from AMH leads) • Staff support and wider organisational support at TRP • Support from partners in Together For You • Support from external partners (Focus, Youth Action, LGBT Sector, Start 360) • Volunteers taking lead • Standardised referral and evaluations and monitoring • Personal development and workshops evaluations Not as effective • Budget issues (travel) • Self‐sustaining model requiring more time • Local presence not always viable • ‘Hard to reach’ exacerbated in rural areas • Local advertising • Volunteers and capacity in supporting them • Later start to project • Political climate? • Outward referral from LGBT provision • Limited resource to build community capacity • Community Infrastructure Learning gleaned • Regional development for ‘hard to reach’ groups may require more resource and ideally locally based • Travel budget must be significant • Peer connections and promotion are invaluable • Scoping of key local partners in advance • Assertive outreach essential • We don’t refer out much…sorry! Collaboration • Communications reports • Operational meetings • Referral, monitoring and evaluations process • Building partnerships (external and internal) • Core of support through AMH Shared learning? • LGB&/T people as ‘hard to reach’ • Convincing other stakeholders that LGB&/T safe spaces are needed • Late start to project and later for some partners • Engagement/resistance from other stakeholders • LGB&/T health and wellbeing implicitly linked to equality Shared learning enhancement • More understanding on the barriers that exist in rural areas for the LGB&/T community such as location, transport, fears of being outed. • Being able to reach more LGB&/T people and able to give them information on support in their areas or areas that may be closer to them other than Belfast/Foyle. • The opportunity to network and link in with other organisations to provide the best support for the LGB&/T community in the areas we are supporting • How working with other organisaitons and internal referrals are so beneficial for people looking support as they only have to contact one organisation. The Only Gay In The Village??? LGB&/T Peer Social and Support Groups can reduce and or diminish social isolation… Social Isolation can reduce a person's quality of life, which results in people just existing but not living, because of the lack of social contact, separation from social groups and a lack of meaningful relationships. Growing up in a heterosexist society and identifying as LGB&/T is not easy. LGB&/T people are growing up in a society in which they are unable to be their true selves. This causes problems and issues, and a significant problem is social isolation and the impact this has; feeling alone as 'the only gay in the village' with no opportunity to meet other LGB&/T people for social support, friendship and no opportunity to express their sexual orientation and gender identity in an understanding and safe environment. The need for LGB&/T Social and Support Groups Why can LGB&/T become socially isolated? Even though there are laws and legislation in place to protect the LGB&/T community there still is further work to be done within society to dispel prejudice and to end discrimination, homophobic/transphobic abuse and hate crimes towards the LGB&/T community. People are still frightened to come out because of this fear of bias, prejudices, discrimination, homophobic/transphobic abuse or hate crimes or because they may be disowned by their family and friends. Consequently they may stay hidden, and become socially isolated rather than risk rejection by society. LGB&/T people hide their true sexual orientation and or gender identity to fit in with society's heterosexual norms, and as a result can become socially isolated from the LGB&/T community. LGB&/T people can become socially isolated for many reasons; through fear of rejection; because they are socially stigmatised; because of other people's religious beliefs; because of the way they have been brought up, or because they may have been victims of homophobic/transphobic hate incidents/hate crimes. The need for LGB&/T Social and Support Groups People may not come out as LGB&/T because of the barriers they have to face; trepidation of homophobic/transphobic bias, discrimination and bullying, rejection from their family and community. They become invisible; living their life with the pretence they are heterosexual. "Gay children and adolescents are moving silently through our lives ‐ through our homes, our schools and our communities. Very often nothing distinguishes these children from other children and no one knows they are gay" Baker (2002:P8). Individuals who attend LGB&/T Peer Social and Support Groups are in different stages of coming out; (disclosing their sexual orientation is other than heterosexual and or their gender identity is different than the gender they were assigned to at birth). Some people may be out to everyone, other people may only be out to a few people and others might not be out at all. The group is a safe space for people to talk openly about their lives and not feel judged or afraid of who may over hear them talking openly about their lives. And for some people this is the only time they would feel comfortable doing this, they may have to go through their daily lives in at home, work, university, college etc. not talking about their private lives….normalisation of minority experience. Showcase What is your role within the LGBT peer social and support groups? Tasha ‐ I’m the chairwoman of the committee of the LGB&/T group in Omagh, it’s my job to make sure the meetings run smoothly and efficiently. I keep in touch with Nuala from Rainbow regarding the progress of the meetings and for the likes of training. At the actual meetings themselves I’m there with the other founding members to greet people and ensure they settle into the group nicely. They also know that if they have any questions or queries I’m always happy to help. Damian ‐ I am one of the founding members of the Omagh LGB&/T group. I keep in touch with the other members and Nuala to ensure the group meetings are organised and there’s always someone at the premises to help with the meetings. I’m there to provide help and support to all members, old and new. How much do these communities and people need support? Tasha ‐ To try and put a limit on it is just impossible. Especially in the likes of our group in a town where homophobia is still an issue. There is most definitely a great need for our group and the help that we provide. Damian ‐ I think they need a lot of help in different aspects. We can provide social and peer support and ensure that local LGB&/T people have somewhere they can turn to and feel safe. We offer so much personal advice and anything that is out of our hands we can pass them onto The Rainbow Project. Showcase What are the benefits of these groups –how do they help LGBT people? Tasha ‐ Our group in Omagh offers everything from a cup of tea and a chat with likeminded people to training and awareness courses. You’d actually be surprised with what a games night or a movie night can do for people. Just to be in an atmosphere where you feel safe and secure whilst being able to be yourself is extraordinary. These groups are a fantastic way for people to meet others like themselves in their community when they’ve often felt alone. Damian ‐ You’re able to meet other LGB&/T people in your community. You can have a chat with them and be totally honest about who you really are. A lot of people we have encountered within the group aren’t ready to be open about their sexual orientation and they have no one else to turn to, except us.
Recommended publications
  • LGB&T Ebulletin June 2018
    LGB&T EBulletin June 2018 NEWS Don’t forget to follow our facebook page to keep up to date with events in between ebulletins https://www.facebook.com/LGBTUnisonNI/ UNISON LGBT Committee Although it is referred to as a committee, it is open to any LGBT member to attend. The next meeting is at 6.15 – 8pm on Wednesday 27th June in UNISON. At this meeting we have invited a representative from Genderjam to talk about trans issues (postponed from last scheduled night). So if you don’t know your non binary from your gender fluid or your transsexual from your transgender, come along. This will link into UNISON National’s consultation on the proposal to extend LGBT to LGBT+ to be more inclusive. There will also be a discussion on Pride activities. If you are coming along, please let me know for catering. Marriage Equality Rally We are still marching and campaigning for Marriage Equality. The latest rally earlier this month brought thousands onto the streets again in both Belfast and Derry and UNISON had a great presence. Thanks to all those who were able to come along it. You can support the Love Equality campaign financially by donating at https://marriageequalityni.causevox.com/ or you can buy a Love Equality tshirt at https://equalitee.co.uk/ There are photos of the Belfast rally at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1827374837285359.1073741852.138564629 499730&type=1&l=3a7bc348d9 And Derry via Kathryn Daily https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10215493672596154&set=pcb.102154936907 56608&type=3&theater A song of solidarity has been written and recorded and you can check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=FKIbhfTZhVY Celebrate the 70th Birthday of the NHS in Belfast at 2.30pm on Saturday 30th June https://www.ictuni.org/publications/nicictu-nhs-at-70-a3-poster Trade Unions are joining civic society to invite people onto the streets on Saturday 30th June to celebrate and show your support for the NHS and to defend its future.
    [Show full text]
  • LGBT Organisations in Northern Ireland
    Lesbian, gay, bisexual & trans (LGBT) Organisation s in Northern Ireland Published by The Rainbow Project: Updated February 2009 PLEASE NOTE: This is an internal resource used by The Rainbow Project. The information provided on this list is for information purposes only. The Rainbow Project has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that the information contained on these pages is accurate and correct at the time of writing. Whilst every care has been taken in the compilation of this information The Rainbow Project will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any inaccuracy or error within these pages. The inclusion of any company/society/group/person’s within these pages should not be used as a recommendation or endorsement of that company/society/group/person’s name, products and/or services. Service users and professionals are encouraged to thoroughly check out the credentials of each company/society/group/person before engaging with those services. COMMUNITY GROUPS/ORGANISATIONS Causeway LGBT Network c/o Simon Community, 14 -16 Lodge Road, Coleraine, BT52 1NB Banbridge/Craigavon LGBT Group tel: 07910980314 tel: 07597 977849 web: www.causewaylgbt.co.uk/ web: www.bebo.com/BanbridgeCraigaL A social and support group for the LGBT community email: [email protected] or in Portrush, Portstewart, Coleraine, Ballycastle, [email protected] Support/social group for the LGBT community in the Ballymoney, Castlerock, Bushmills and Limavady . Banbridge & Craigavon areas. Changing Attitude Ireland web: www.changingattitudeireland.org Belfast Butterfly Club A network of people, gay and straight, working for PO Box 210, Belfast, BT1 1BG tel: (028) 9267 3720 the full affirmation of LGBT persons within the web: www.belfastbutterflyclub.co.uk Church of Ireland.
    [Show full text]
  • Out on Your Own: an Examination of the Mental
    Out on Your Own An Examination of the Mental Health of Young Same-Sex Attracted Men Helen McNamee ISBN: 0-9552781-0-4 978-0-9552781-0-5 First Published March 2006 Published by The Rainbow Project 2-8 Commercial Court Belfast BT1 2NB Tel: 028 9031 9030 Fax: 028 9031 9031 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rainbow-project.org Copyright © 2006 The Rainbow Project / Helen McNamee The Rainbow Project is a registered charity number NI30101 Acknowledgements This research would not have been possible without the contribution of the research participants. Thank you to all of those involved, including those who took part in the pilot of the questionnaire, those who completed the survey and those who gave up their time to take part in the interviews. The author would also like to thank the research steering group, Karen Beattie, Dominic McCanny, Katy Radford, Neil Jarman and Dermot Feenan. Particular thanks to Dirk Schubotz for his help with the statistical analysis. The guidance and advice provided throughout the completion of the report was hugely appreciated. In addition, the author would like to thank The Rainbow Project staff for their support on all aspects of the research. Special thanks to Gary McKeever who edited the final report. Finally, the author and The Rainbow Project would like to thank The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund for funding the research. Table of Contents Executive Summary 5 1. Introduction 9 2. Literature review: Mental health and young same-sex attracted men 11 3. Methodology 23 4. Findings of survey and face-to-face interviews 27 4.1 Introduction and profile of respondents and interviewees 27 4.2 Mental health 30 4.3 Feeling of difference and telling someone 40 4.4 Gay and at school 51 4.5 Difficulties at work related to sexual orientation 59 4.6 Society’s attitudes to people of a non-heterosexual orientation 63 4.7 Factors relating to negative reactions to sexual orientation and 68 unconnected factors on mental health, suicidal ideation and self-harm 4.8 How are the needs of young same-sex attracted men currently being met? 73 5.
    [Show full text]
  • The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Public Health Outcomes Framework Companion Document
    The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Public Health Outcomes Framework Companion Document Authors Heather Williams, Policy & Research Manager, The Lesbian & Gay Foundation Dr Justin Varney, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, GLADD James Taylor, Senior Health Officer, Stonewall Dr Julie Fish, Reader in Social Work and Health Inequalities, De Montfort University Patricia Durr, Head of Communications and Public Relations, METRO Christie Elan-Cane, Non-gendered: Fighting for legal Recognition With special thanks to Heulwen Lewis, Liliya Skotarenko, Mary Martire and Clare Jones, at the Department of Health Public Health Policy & Strategy Unit Supported by National LGB&T Partnership Public Health England Department of Health The National LGB&T Partnership Reg. Charity No. 1070904 Contents Foreword - Duncan Selbie 3 Executive Summary 4 Introduction 6 Minorities within Minorities 7 Universal Recommendations 9 The Public Health Outcome Framework and the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Communities Indicators corresponding to the overarching outcomes 11 Domain One 12 Domain Two 24 Domain Three 38 Domain Four 43 References 50 2 Foreword Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of Public Health England Given as a health system we are serious about our mission to address inequalities, one group that must demand our attention is the lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans community. The LGB&T companion to the Public Health Outcomes Framework sets out a broad span of research that shows that LGB&T people experience significant health inequalities compared to the wider population from high rates of physical and emotional bullying, and risk of parental rejection and running away in childhood, through significantly higher rates of suicide and self-harm, drug and alcohol use and smoking in adulthood, and social isolation and extreme vulnerability in old age.
    [Show full text]
  • 14. Tolerantia Awards in Bern Verliehen
    // Newsletter #32 // September / Oktober 2019 S. 2 Würdigung 14. TOLERANTIA AWARDS IN BERN VERLIEHEN S. 19 S. 23 S. 27 S. 34 Opferhilfe Justiz Im Regenbogenkiez Aufruf zum Mitmachen HASS FÄLLE FÜR DIE NACHTBÜRGER- AUFRÄUMEN IM IM NETZ STAATSANWALTSCHAFT MEISTER TIERGARTEN Foto: 05.10.19, Bern – In der Rathaushalle der Stadt Bern (v.l.n.r.): Aisling Twomey, Advocacy Officer des Rainbow Projects aus Nordirland, David Reichlin, Vorstandsmitglied von Pink Cross, Roman zösischen Preisträger des Tolerantia Awards 2019 Collective des Intersexes et Alliés, Jérémy Falédam, Co-Präsident von SOS homophobie, Christa Arnet, MANEO-Beiratsmitglied und Mitglied Heggli, Geschäftsführer von Pink Cross, Henry Hohmann, Preisträger des Schweizer Tolerantia Awards 2019, Sara Canning, Lebenspartnerin der ermordeten Lyra McKee, der nordirischen Preis- der MANEO-Jury, Liz Grant (OBE), Vertreterin von Open for Business, Preisträger aus Deutschland, Thorsten Manske, Vizepräsident von Hertha BSC und Mitglied der MANEO-Jury, Karl von Rohr, trägerin des Tolerantia Awards 2019, Bartosz Staszewski, polnischer Preisträger des Tolerantia Awards 2019, Yga Kostrzewa, Vorstandsmitglied von Lambda Warszawa, Urs Sager, für den fran- Vizepräsident der Deutschen Bank und für Open for Business, und Bastian Finke, Leiter von MANEO und Leiter der MANEO-Jury. Foto: © David Rosenthal 2 3 Foto: 05.10.19, Bern – In der Rathaushalle der Stadt Bern: Aisling Twomey, Advocacy Officer des Rain- bow Projects aus Nordirland, würdigt die Preisträge- rin Lyra McKee. Foto: © David Rosenthal ie europäischen TOLERANTIA AWARDS werden als Mit den seit 2006 jährlich vergebenen TOLERANTA AWARDS wer- Gemeinschaftspreis der Organisationen MANEO den Personen, Einrichtungen und Gruppen für herausragendes (Deutschland), SOS homophobie (Frankreich), Engagement geehrt. Ihr Engagement betont demokratische Lambda-Warszawa (Polen), The Rainbow Project Prinzipien wie Gleichberechtigung, Solidarität, gesellschaft- (Nordirland) und Pink Cross (Schweiz) vergeben.
    [Show full text]
  • Making Your School Safe
    MAKING YOUR SCHOOL SAFE for LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL and TRANSGENDER Students Making Your School Safe for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Students CURRENT SITUATION consequence of harassment and bullying of young lgbt people in schools. Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (lgbt) students are part of every student body and contribute to the Homophobic bullying and harassment contributes to life of every school. Yet in many schools their sexual a culture of homophobia in a school and creates an identity is not recognised or they are subjected to unhealthy environment for all students. It implies that harassment and bullying, a problem which is often disrespect is acceptable towards people who do not not addressed adequately by management, teachers conform to rigid gender stereotypes and that anyone and other members of staff. who is perceived to be ‘different’ is a legitimate target for ridicule, taunts, aggression or even physical as- Students who are victims of harassment based on sault. Students have a right to learn in a safe environ- their sexual orientation – imputed or actual – often feel ment. that they cannot speak to teachers or management in the school about it. This silence and marginalisation, EQUALITY LEGISLATION combined with the harassment and bullying they receive, creates a very serious and dangerous The Equal Status Acts prohibit schools from situation for many lgbt students. discriminating (with certain exemptions) on nine grounds, including gender1 and sexual orientation Negative experiences in school can have a profound (this includes a sexual orientation that is imputed to effect on the emotional well-being of lgbt students. the person concerned).
    [Show full text]
  • Biennial Delegate Conference 25-26 March 2020
    Organising for change Northern Ireland Committee Irish Congress of Trade Unions Biennial Delegate Conference 25-26 March 2020 Biennial Delegate Conference 2020 Killyhevlin Hotel, Fermanagh 25th-26th March 2020 3 Biennial Delegate Conference 2020 Membership Membership of the Northern Ireland Committee 2018-20 Chairperson G Murphy INTO Vice-Chairperson A Millar NIPSA Members J Pollock UNITE D Harte Craigavon Trades Council J White UTU D Kennedy CWU K Clarke UCU P Wolfe PCS D Walker GMB A Speed UNISON P McKeown UNISON N McNally SIPTU P Mackel GMB J McCamphill NASUWT M Lafferty USDAW T Trainor UNITE J Quinn FBU M Morgan NIPSA Ex-Officio S Nunan President ICTU (July 17 to 2019) P King General Secretary ICTU O Reidy Asst. General Secretary Observers M Galloway Retired Workers Committee S Harvey Youth Committee Attendance At Meetings At the time of preparing this report 20 meetings were held during the 2018-20 period. The following is the attendance record of the NIC members: J Pollock 3 M Morgan 12 K Clarke 9 D Kennedy 8 N McNally 16 P Mackel 17 A Millar 17 J Quinn 3 J McCamphill 17 P Wolfe 9 M Lafferty 14 A Speed 20 T Trainor 19 J White 13 P McKeown 16 G Murphy 19 D Harte 16 D Walker 13 4 Contents SECTION TITLE PAGE TIMETABLE 6 A INTRODUCTION 9 B CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONS 13 C TRADE UNION ORGANISATION 19 D TRADE UNION EDUCATION, TRAINING 35 AND LIFELONG LEARNING E POLITICAL & ECONOMIC REPORT 41 F MIGRANT WORKERS 79 G EQUALITY & HUMAN RIGHTS 85 H INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS & EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS 99 I HEALTH AND SAFETY 107 APPENDIX TITLE PAGE 1 Standing
    [Show full text]
  • Irish Journalist Spring 2019
    !1 THE IRISH JOURNALIST Newsletter of the National Union of Journalists in Ireland Spring 2019 We gather in grief. We gather in anger. of purpose which propelled Lyra McKee I can Grief at the loss of a woman of passionate only say: There is nothing ‘new’ in what you have commitment, of integrity, imagination and to offer. generosity. Anger at the murder of an innocent Lyra represented the future. worker killed because she was in the wrong Lay down your guns and look for a new path place at the wrong time: collateral damage in a away from senseless violence. senseless act of politically motivated violence. The voices of workers, of victims, of long- We also gather in hope. suffering communities deserve to be treated Lyra McKee refused to accept that change is with respect. Too many workers have had to impossible. She knew well what it was like to wear the unrequested crown of martyrdom. struggle against great odds, but she never lost Workers like the former secretary of NUJ hope. She belonged to a new generation and Belfast branch, Martin O’Hagan, so long a sought to achieve change with love in her heart feature of the May Day rally in Belfast. and without an ounce of hatred. Our message is clear. The violence must Lyra marched to the sound of a different drum. cease. No more martyrs. No more victims. To you who took her life; to those who supplied the gun; to those who exploited the — Séamus Dooley, Irish Secretary, alienation of young men living without the sense May Day Rally, Belfast INSIDE: NUJ stands with Lyra: pages 2-4; May Day in Belfast and Derry: pages 6-7; Living history: pages 10-11 !2 EDITOR’S NOTE informed, investigative journalism.” Standing together We stand with Lyra and Martin and everything they exemplified – courage, integrity, the Journalists and allies around the world relentless pursuit of truth through the best of investigative journalism.
    [Show full text]
  • Suicidality Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth
    Suicidality among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth Report by ILGA-Europe to the Social, Health and Family Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe August 2007 1 Suicidality among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth Report by ILGA-Europe 1 to the Social, Health and Family Affairs Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Summary ........................................................................................................................ 3 I. The incidence of suicide attempts among LGBT youth .................................... 3 II Factors resulting in increased suicidality among LGBT youth ......................... 4 III What constitutes a “hostile social environment” for LGBT youth .................... 5 III (i) Family ........................................................................................................ 6 III (ii) Schools ....................................................................................................... 7 III (iii) Friends........................................................................................................ 7 III (iv) Religious community ................................................................................. 7 III (v) Media ......................................................................................................... 7 III (vi) Recent research on the situation in schools in the UK............................... 8 IV A hostile social environment and heightened risk of suicidality
    [Show full text]
  • A CIVIL RIGHTS EDUCATION PACK For
    A CIVIL RIGHTS EDUCATION PACK for GCSE CITIZENSHIP AND LEARNING FOR LIFE AND WORK 0 continue to struggle for civil rights in the north of About our work Ireland today. The pack also provides resources and further Take a Walk in My Shoes emerged from a reading for those seeking examples of civic collaboration between five universities and a range engagement strategies and tactics for Citizenship of arts practitioners and community activists funded and Learning for Life and Work schools curricula. under the Creative Interruptions project, which is supported by the Arts and Humanities Research As part of our work, Green Shoot Productions has Council. developed and tested a series of theatre sessions that we’ll hope to roll out with interested schools in This education document relates specifically to the the coming years. The sessions use the methods of Belfast-based strand of the project, ‘Connecting a well-known Brazilian theatre practitioner, Augusto Civil Rights’, which has resulted from a Boal, who used drama techniques to promote collaboration between Dr Michael Pierse at Queen’s debate and critical thinking. University Belfast and renowned theatre practitioner Martin Lynch and his company, Green Shoot Why not get in touch with the team at Green Productions. Shoot to discuss how we could help develop debate in your classroom? For the 50th anniversary commemorations of the Northern Ireland Civil Rights Association’s key years of 1968-1972, we worked with civil rights activists of that era, and a range of community groups challenging inequality now, to put together our own ‘creative interruptions’: co-produced theatre performances, monologues, a short film, and a major stage play, ‘We’ll Walk Hand in Hand’.
    [Show full text]
  • THROUGH OUR EYES John O'doherty Perceptions
    THROUGH OUR EYES John O’Doherty Perceptions and Experiences of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People towards Homophobic Hate Crime and Policing in Northern Ireland First Published June 2009 Published by The Rainbow Project 1st Floor Memorial House 9-13 Waring Street Belfast BT1 7DX Tel: 028 9031 9030 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rainbow-project.org The Rainbow Project is a registered charity Number - XR17450 Supported by FOREWORD There have been a number of unexpected developments in Northern Ireland, which have emerged following the ending of the conflict, the signing of the Agreement and from the process of political transition. Among the positive changes has been the growing acknowledgment of the diversity of local society, and the important role that the different minority communities can make to the wider process of democracy and normalisation. One element of this recognition of diversity has been the increased visibility and heightened public profile of the lesbian, gay and bisexual population and the developing activism within the LGB community and support groups which aims to raise awareness of the key issues affecting the community. This greater public profile has in turn resulted in an increased awareness of the particular and sometimes distinctive issues that affect the LGB population and in growing attempts to respond to issues of discrimination and inequality towards lesbian, gay and bisexual people among key statutory agencies and government departments. However, there has also been a growing awareness of the problem of homophobia in Northern Ireland and in particular of the too numerous incidents of homophobic violence, harassment and abuse that continue to be experienced by lesbian, gay and bisexual people in communities across Northern Ireland.
    [Show full text]
  • Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual People
    Gay, Lesbian & Bisexual People: The Irish Institute of Mental Health Nursing A Good Practice Guide for Mental Health Nurses The Irish Institute of Mental Health Nursing National Office for Suicide Prevention Contents Introduction 3 Sexual Orientation – Language and Concepts 4 Mental Health and Well-Being of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual People 7 Guide to Good Practice 12 Glossary of Terms 18 Directory of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Services in Ireland 19 Further Resources and Reading 21 References 23 Introduction This good practice guide has been developed by the Irish Institute of Mental Health Nursing (IIMHN) in collaboration with GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network) to inform mental health nurses of what they need to know when providing a service to a lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) person. In recent years, a number of national policies have highlighted the need for lesbian, gay and bisexual people‟s needs to be considered by health professionals and for health care providers to be more inclusive of lesbian, gay and bisexual people in their practice.1,2,3,4,5,6 There are specific issues that mental health nurses need to be aware of when providing a services to LGB people. By being aware of these issues nurses can help to reduce or eliminate the barriers to accessing support services that LGB people face. This guide is intended to support mental health nurses to provide services that are accessible for LGB people and one that is appropriate to their needs. A large body of empirical research has demonstrated that the stigmatisation, harassment and discrimination that LGB people face can have negative mental health effects.
    [Show full text]