We must do better for our LGBTQI+ community – Doherty

A new national study on the mental health and wellbeing of the LGBTQI+ community in Ireland has been described as “shocking” by Fine Gael’s MEP candidate for Dublin.

Senator Regina Doherty was speaking following the launch of ‘Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland’ (carried out by BeLonG To Youth Services and Trinity College Dublin as a sequel to a report published in 2016) this week.

Senator Doherty said “This report is an in-depth exploration of the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQI+ people in our country. The oldest person surveyed was 84 and the youngest was 14, and it’s abundantly clear to me that, across every age group, we need to do much more.

“We know the progress that has been made in recent years in terms of advancing the civil rights of LGBTQI+ people in Ireland. We all remember the sheer joy in Dublin Castle following that historic and overwhelming ‘Yes’ to same-sex marriage.

“A lot of people think the road to equality ends there; it doesn’t. The struggles of the community haven’t gone away and unless we address those struggles, we are at risk of going backwards.

“Some of the statistics in the report are genuinely devastating. Almost three-quarters of respondents had been verbally abused due to their identity. One in four had been punched, hit or physically attacked. We can see what that does to people and their feelings of safety in society: 51% of respondents reported feeling unsafe showing affection to their partner, and 45% would feel unsafe holding hands walking down the street.

“What’s really stark is that, due to a number of potential factors including the pandemic and a rise in hate speech and harassment, mental health has actually declined among the LGBTQ+ community since 2016. Many are at risk of harmful drug and alcohol use, and a shocking 64% of respondents to the survey reported suicidal thoughts.

“Based on those findings, the report sets out recommendations to government departments and state agencies with a view to advancing LGBTQI+ inclusion in Ireland. These include creating a supportive school culture for LGBTQI+ young people, building LGBTQI+ inclusive health care and listening to LGBTQI+ experiences.

“Let’s begin by exploring how we can implement these recommendations to continue to be world leaders in advancing the rights of the LGBTQI+ community.

“I want us to remain a loving, caring country. We live in a time where people’s identities now seem to be a legitimate topic for debate. I know I wouldn’t stand for anyone debating my right to be who I am, and anyone who agrees needs to step up now.

“If elected to the European Parliament, I can promise that I will always have the community’s back, and will work to advance LGBTQI+ rights here in Ireland and across Europe”, concluded Senator Doherty.