In many parts of the world Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) People are imprisoned or murderedfor who they are

Persecution:

Death Penalty – 7 countries
Imprisonment – 76 countries & 6 entities

Protection:

Anti-discrimination laws:
50 countries and 33 entities

Recognition:

Recognition and Registration for same-sex unions:
19 countries and 14 entities


See the ILGA map showing the protections, or lack of, for LGBT people across the world http://www.ilga.org/map/LGBTI_rights.jpg

See the report “State Sponsored Homophobia” – a survey of the laws prohibiting same-sex activity between consenting adults. http://www.ilga.org/statehomophobia/ILGA_State_Sponsored_Homophobia_2008.pdf

In Ireland LGBT people of all races experience many forms of discrimination,some experience hate related attacks.

What's it like for LGBT people generally?

Despite the progress in advancing equality, the threat of violence and harassment continues to present a major barrier to LGB people living openly and participating fully in society.

European research demonstrates levels of violence directed against lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people that are up to three times higher than those experienced by the population as a whole. Similar elevated rates of violence and harassment directed against LGB people in Ireland have been reported in national studies.

In a recent study on the lives of LGBT people in the West of Ireland results show that 50 percent of respondents had experienced verbal abuse and 20 percent had been physically attacked because of their sexual orientation.

Click to see the report A Needs Analysis of the LGBT Population in Galway, Roscommon & Mayo.

Another study of 1,110 LGBT respondents in Ireland indicated that 80% were verbally insulted on the basis of identity – 36.5% of these 6 or more times. 20% were threatened with physical violence on the basis of identity. 25% were punched kicked or beaten because of identity and 8% were attacked with a weapon or implement (such as knife, gun bottle or stick) on at least one occasion. 9% were attacked sexually as a consequence of identity. For that full report click here.

What progress has been made?

There has been great progress over the last number of years. The Gardaí have appointed Liaison Offices to the LBGT Community in each Division, who you should call if you need some help, and who are developing good links with LGBT organisations and venues in their areas.

Section	Name	Number
Community Relations Section	Inspector Finbarr Murphy	01-666383/3811
Community Relations Section	Sergeant Andy Tuite	01-6663831/3821
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Unit	Detective Sergeant Michael Lynch	01-6663366/3435
Pearse Street	Sergeant Mark Kavanagh	01-6669000
Pearse Street	Detective Brendan Supple	01-6669000
Pearse Street	Sergeant Eamonn Lynch	01-6669030
Bridewell (Dublin)	Detective Frank Tracey	01-6668200
Cabra	Detective Yvonne Burke	01-6667400
Fitzgibbon Street	Garda Eoin Lynch	01-6668400
Mountjoy	Garda Maria Murphy	01-6668600
Store Street	Garda Ita Bradley	01-6668000
Cabinteely/Dun Laoghaire	Sergeant Derval Supple	01-6665400
Dundalk	Sergeant Vincent Jackson	042-9335577
Kildare/Carlow	Sergeant Mary Corcoran	045-884300
Kilkenny	Inspector Padraig Dunne	051-305300

GLEN and the Gardaí have developed some resources for LGBT people, Building Community Confidence and the Gardaí have established a Community Safety Strategy for the Dublin Metropolitan Region, which includes Garda Clinics at OutHouse in Dublin.

While there has undoubtedly been progress in the past few years we have also for instance witnessed the targeting of gay men in public places and have anecdotal evidence regarding lesbians facing harassment in their homes. While community confidence in the Gardaí is certainly increasing there still remains the real possibility that much anti-gay violence remains unreported.

Our young people continue to be bullied and harassed in their schoolsand communities.

What's it like for LGBT people in school?

Earlier this year the largest piece of research ever to be carried out on LGBT people in Ireland was launched by the Minister for Health. The research, Supporting LGBT Lives had a particular focus on young people and included exploration of their experiences in school. Click here for a summary of the key findings in relation to school experience.

How are schools currently dealing with sexual orientation issues and homophobic bullying?

Last year the Department of Education funded research to explore how issues related to sexual orientation were arising in schools and how they are being addressed. The research was carried out by the Education Department, NUI Maynooth in association with GLEN. It was endorsed by management bodies, parents and principals groups (JMB, ACCS, IVEA, NPCpp and NAPD). Click here for a copy of the summary report of Valuing Visibility.

GLEN's work in supporting schools to tackle homophobic bullying?

Principals Guide. The Department of Education and Science and GLEN will shortly co-publish Guidance to Post-Primary School Principals on how to address sexual orientation issues, including homophobic bullying. The guidance will be published in association with all of the key education partners, including management bodies (JMB, IVEA, ACCS), teachers unions, (ASTI and TUI) the national parents council (NPCpp) and professional association for Principals and Deputy Principal (NAPD). Click here for a summary of what's in the resource and 5 things School Leaders can do to support lesbian, gay and bisexuual students.

Teachers' Guide. The two second level Teachers Union, the ASTI and the TUI have produced a guide for teachers on how they can use their role to support LGB students and address homophobic bullying. The teachers' guide will be sent out to all members of the two Unions in the forthcoming months. Click here for the Guide

Let’s work together to challenge and stop Homophobia & Transphobia.

If you want to know more about IDAHO or want support around your sexual orientation or identity go to:

www.belongto.org
www.gaymenshealthservice.ie
www.gcn.ie
www.ghn.ie
www.glen.ie
www.marriagequality.ie
www.rainbow-project.org
www.outhouse.ie
www.linc.ie
www.outcomers.org
www.gayprojectcork.com
www.rainbowsupportservices.org

Some of the events to mark IDAHO in Ireland

BeLonG To are holding a rally in Dublin. Click here

Changing Attitudes Ireland are holding church services in Belfast, Dublin and Cork. Click here

shOUT! in Galway are holding a rally. Click here http://www.lgbtyouthgalway.com/