Our vision is of ... LGBT equality

While recognising that many advances have been made in Northern Ireland in terms of promoting equality of opportunity and protection against discrimination for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people there is outstanding work still to be done.

Research shows us that in Northern Ireland: 20% of LGB people have experienced homophobic hate crimes/incidents; 77% of transgendered people have experienced a hate crime/incident; 64% of LGB people who are victims of crime did not report to the police through fears the police would not or could not do anything; 69% of young LGB people reported being victims of homophobic bullying in school; and LGBT people are at higher risk of depression, self-harm, thoughts about suicide and death by suicide than their heterosexual counterparts.

In 2006, the Direct Rule government consulted on a draft Sexual Orientation Strategy and Action Plan. No further action was taken following this consultation and the document was shelved.

In order to realise our vision of a Northern Ireland where there is equality for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgendered people, politicians and political parties should:

• Immediately pursue the publication of a comprehensive Sexual Orientation Strategy and Action Plan, developed by OFMdFM in partnership with the LGBT Community and LGBT professional sector organisations.
• Explore the impact of extending Section 75 (2) beyond the traditional areas of race, political opinion and religious belief to include LGBT as a way of addressing homophobia and trans-phobia in Northern Ireland.
• Implement an educational programme for primary and secondary schools, colleges and community groups in relation to all minority based hate crime.
• Ensure that when government financed strategies, such as the Suicide Prevention Strategy and Sexual Health Strategy and Action Plan, identify LGBT people as being high risk are being implemented, government funds are distributed in accordance with need.