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LGBT Helpline launches guide for people living in Connaught

A national support service for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people has launched a guide...
Newstalk
Newstalk

12.25 2 Dec 2016


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LGBT Helpline launches guide f...

LGBT Helpline launches guide for people living in Connaught

Newstalk
Newstalk

12.25 2 Dec 2016


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A national support service for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people has launched a guide to LGBT support services in Connaught.

The guide was produced by the LGBT Helpline to provide practical information on a range of issues affecting LGBT people and their family members.

It includes supports available for them in the Connaught region.

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The guide is targeted at health professionals and others working with LGBT people.

Paula Fagan, coordinator of the LGBT Helpline, said: "While huge progress has been made in recent years, some people can still find it difficult to come out as LGBT, or they may feel they will face difficulties if they openly express their sexual or gender identity.

"This can be particularly true in close-knit rural communities, and that's why it is so important that we have these supports available.

"The Connaught guide is intended as a practical resource for medical professionals and anyone working in support services for LGBT people.

"It will help them to quickly reference the services available in the various parts of Connaught and to share information with those who need it."

Launching the guide at Teach Solais LGBT+ Resource Centre, professor of psychology at NUI Galway Brian Hughes added: "Recent years have seen enormous positive changes in the way LGBT diversity has become welcomed and accepted as a core part of Irish society.

"As well as changing attitudes, we have seen society itself, through its laws and policies, increasingly recognise and protect important progressive norms."

The new guide includes a directory of LGBT advocacy and support organisations in Connaught, as well as information on:

  • Coming out
  • Sexual health
  • Social groups and events
  • Trans and gender identity
  • Violence and harassment

There are also chapters with information for family members of LGBT people, LGBT young people, and older LGBT people.

The national LGBT Helpline is run through a network of local helpline centres, including the LGBT Galway Helpline and the Outwest Gay Helpline in Mayo.

More information about the LGBT Helpline and the regional support services it provides can be found here.

The helpline can be contacted on 1890-929-539.


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