PHA supports Northern Ireland Anti-Homophobia and Transphobia Week

Northern Ireland Anti-Homophobia and Transphobia Week 2014 runs from 12 to 18 May and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is supporting it by highlighting the need to raise awareness of the health inequalities experienced by Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGB&T) and the impact of homophobia and transphobia on the lives of individuals and families.

Speaking at the launch of the week long programme of events, Dr Carolyn Harper, Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Northern Ireland Anti-Homophobia and Transphobia Week will see a series of events taking place which will focus on challenging homophobia and transphobia in our society. Homophobia and transphobia is a concern for us all and it is heartening to see community support for such positive action.

“The PHA is committed to supporting the LGB&T community and works with organisations to reduce inequalities in health and develop and support programmes which promote health and wellbeing. One such initiative is the e-learning programme which helps to raise awareness and understanding of LGB&T issues in the workplace.”

The e-learning programme was developed in partnership with Aurion Learning, an e-learning and development solutions provider. The online programme, entitled ‘Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Creating Inclusive Workplaces’, will support the PHA in helping to address health and social wellbeing inequalities whilst enabling staff members to safely explore LGB&T issues in a confidential and secure way.

Speaking about the training programme, Deirdre McNamee, Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Officer at the PHA, said: “We worked with the Southern Health and Social Care Trust and members of LGB&T sector organisations in developing this programme. It aims to educate staff so that they better understand the difference between sexual orientation, gender identity and the equality implications.

“This programme, which is applicable to all workplaces, will help staff to recognise the barriers associated with disclosure of sexual orientation and/or gender identity in the workplace and understand how LGB&T awareness within the workplace can help create a more welcoming, safe and productive work environment.”

The programme can be accessed at www.lgbtelearning.hscni.net

This is just one examples of the work the PHA is undertaking to reduce the health inequalities experienced by the LGB&T community. For further information on the range of programmes and support available for LGB&T people and their families visit www.lgbtni.com or www.transgenderni.com