“We are deeply concerned to hear the reports of a security incident in Portrush last night where two suspicious objects were allegedly wrapped in a pride flag. Our thoughts are with all those caught up in this incident.

We understand the alarm this incident will cause to LGBTQIA+ communities in Northern Ireland, and will be working to understand what has happened by liaising with the relevant authorities.

At a time when anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crime in Northern Ireland is at its highest ever recorded level, we are committed to working with partners and communities to build trust, understanding and respect. Help and support are available should anyone require it, more information is on our website www.rainbow-project.org.

There is no place for anti-LGBTQIA+ hatred in Northern Ireland.”

The post There is no place for anti-LGBTQIA+ hatred in Northern Ireland. appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

Call out for individuals to be interviewed about their experiences with conversion practices (also known as conversion therapies or reparative therapies). These practices encompasses all medical, psychological, religious, cultural or any other interventions that seek to erase, repress or change the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of a person.

This encompasses all medical, psychological, religious, cultural or any other interventions that seek to erase, repress or change the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of a person. This research will inform the Department for Communities’ work towards a ban on conversion practices.

Please contact Aisling@rainbow-project.org for more information.

 If you or someone you know has been exposed to conversion practices which aimed to change their sexual orientation or gender identity expression within 10 years, we would like to talk to them and hear about their experiences.

This research project will be managed by a Steering Group which will be made up of representatives of The Rainbow Project, Cara-Friend, HEReNI and Transgender NI and is funded by the Department of the Communities.

Why am I being contacted?

 We are sending out a call for participants to take part in this research, which is an individual interview about their experiences of conversion practices (also known as conversion therapies, reparative therapies, and cure therapies). This encompasses all medical, psychological, religious, cultural or any other interventions that seek to erase, repress or change the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of a person.

Why is this study being done?

 This research, funded by the Department for Communities, explores the dimensions and effects of these practices using qualitative interviews with people who have experienced conversion practices in Northern Ireland. The theoretical and empirical aspects of the research will be informed by the broader literature and evidence in the field of research.

Who are the Research Team?

 Professor Fidelma Ashe, Ulster University, Belfast

Fidelma Ashe is a professor of Politics at Ulster University. She is an expert in gender, sexuality and peacebuilding. She is housed in the Transitional Justice Institute at Ulster (TJI). TJI is a world-class research institute that produces research and real-world impact in the area of peacebuilding. Professor Ashe’s profile can be found here: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/staff/f-ashe

Dr Danielle Mackle, Queens University, Belfast

Dr Danielle Mackle is a lecturer in Social Work in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research specialisms include exploring the human development and well-being of LGBTQ+ populations through the lens of the capability approach.  Danielle also has experience in researching and writing about sensitive issues in Northern Ireland including abortion and FGM/C practices. Dr Mackle’s profile can be found here: https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/danielle-mackle

Information on TJI can be found here: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/transitional-justice-institute/home

What will I need to do?

 Your participation is entirely voluntary. There is no obligation to participate in the study. If someone chooses to participate they are free to withdraw at any point without having to give a reason.

If a person decides to take part in this research, it will involve the participant being interviewed by one of the researchers involved in the study.

In this interview, they will be asked about their experiences of conversion therapy, decisions around engaging with conversion therapy, what the practice, therapy, treatment or intervention was like the effects on the person at the time, and how they feel about it now and any other information that the participant feel is relevant for us to know.

The interview will take place at a location and time that is convenient for participants.

Is there any payment for taking part? Will it cost me anything if I agree to take part?

 No, we are not paying participants to take part in the study. It will not cost anything to take part in this research.

Are there any risks to me or others if participate?

The questioning may be upsetting or may trigger thoughts or feelings that people haven’t felt or remembered in a long time.  If participants feel that talking about these issues or conversion therapy may be too upsetting, then we recommend that they should not take part in the interview and they will be signposted for future support.

If people choose to participate in these interviews and feel that they would like to talk to someone about any of the issues raised, participants will be given access to some free and confidential support counselling support.

Will my data be used in future studies?

We will need people’s contact details to arrange and conduct the interview. We will also ask for consent. Finally, we will audio record the interview and write a transcript based on this interview. The research team will delete contact details once the transcription of the interview is complete.

Personal data will only be used for the study set out in this form and not for any future studies.  The researchers will write academic papers and present the findings from the study at conferences. Examples from the interviews or direct quotes may be used from transcripts, but all will be anonymized and no one will be able to identify you from any of the published material.

How can I find out more information or participate in the research?

If you would like to take part in this study, please email Aisling Playford, Policy and Advocacy Manager email aisling@rainbow-project.org, who will contact you to discuss taking part in the research and answer any questions you may have.

If you have found any of the information in this document upsetting and would like to talk to someone, support is available from The Rainbow Project.  Please visit The Rainbow Project website for further information or call us on 02890 319030

Thank you for taking the time to read this information

The post Research Participants required for Department for Communities research on Conversion Therapy appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

Speaking on the importance of World Aids Day Director of The Rainbow Project John O’Doherty said “It’s been over forty years since the emergence of HIV, and we’ve seen incredible developments in the treatment and prevention of the virus. Unfortunately, stigma remains one of the most difficult challenges for those living with HIV today. Stigma can take many forms such as hostility, aggression, and exclusion. People living with HIV can experience this in different areas of their lives, from their relationships, service providers and unfortunately still in healthcare provision.

“With substantial developments in testing and treatment people living with HIV can expect to live a full, healthy, and happy life. Today people with HIV have the same life expectancy as those who are HIV-negative. However, many people living with HIV feel isolated alongside a need to conceal their HIV status due to fear of stigma and discrimination. Many of the myths about how HIV is transmitted still exist today and we must do more to ensure all communities are educated about HIV and that we actively seek to address the stigma experienced by those living with HIV.

Sexual Health Development Officer Leo Lardie said:

“Knowing your HIV status is an important step in HIV prevention. The Rainbow Project can provide rapid HIV & syphilis testing for gay & bisexual men, men who have sex with men, transgender and non-binary people and anyone who is at risk of contracting HIV or is in high distress around their status. Free at-home sexual health testing is now available to everyone in Northern Ireland through the SH24 service. Sexual health testing has never been more accessible and this world aids day we would encourage everyone to get tested and know their status.

“Treatment of HIV has dramatically changed over the last 5 years and treatment is now available as a form of prevention. If f you’re HIV negative, you may be able to take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce your risk of contracting HIV. It can be used by people who are HIV-negative but at high risk of HIV to dramatically reduce their chance of contracting HIV. PrEP is highly effective and is free of charge via the NHS.

The Rainbow Project is campaigning for a government commitment towards zero new HIV diagnoses by 2030 through its Steps to Zero campaign.

Speaking about the campaign Policy and Advocacy Manager Aisling Playford said:

Due to new approaches such as treatment as prevention, the efficacy of treatment such as anti-retroviral therapy, and our increased understanding of how and when HIV can be transmitted this target is entirely achievable, but it requires commitment and investment. We won’t just end HIV transmission by preventive treatment alone and must commit to easier access to HIV testing for all and comprehensive sex education.

“Steps to Zero also focuses on providing support to those individuals living with HIV, perhaps most importantly by helping to eradicate the stigma surrounding HIV. We all have a part to play in making HIV and HIV stigma a thing of the past. We’ve each got to educate ourselves on sexual health not just to be able to make informed choices to best protect ourselves but to stop perpetrating the same misinformation that creates fear and stigma of individuals living with HIV. ”

Notes to Editors:

“Undetectable” means that the presence of HIV in a person’s body is so low that they cannot transmit the HIV to anyone by any means. This is achieved through a person living with HIV accessing anti-retroviral treatment

PEP is medication you can take up to 72 hours after you’ve had unprotected sex to dramatically reduce your risk of contracting HIV, it’s available at any A&E in Northern Ireland for free.

PrEP is medication you can take daily or on-demand (two pills before you have sex, a pill every day for 2 days after you’ve had sex) to eliminate your risk of contracting HIV altogether. You can get PrEP at any GUM clinic for those most at risk of HIV.

The post Stigma and discrimination against people with HIV are as big an issue as ever appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

The programme can be found here: www.yumpu.com/s/4zbXkQ17n2eM9iqa

The post LGBTQIA+ Awareness Week – 16th to 22 May 2022 CHECK OUT THE PROGRAMME OF EVENTS! appeared first on The Rainbow Project.

Lesbian and gay life in Germany began to thrive at the beginning of the 20th century with Berlin in particular seen as one of the most liberal cities in Europe.  There was a number of lesbian and gay organisations, cafés, bars, publications and cultural events taking place.

Nazi conceptions of race, gender and eugenics dictated the Nazi regime’s hostile policy on homosexuality.  The repression and discrimination targeted towards the LGBTQIA community started within days of Hitler and the Nazis coming to power.

On 6 May 1933, the Nazis violently looted and closed Magnus Hirschfeld’s Institute for Sexual Science. This centre acted as an important public venue for Berlin lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender life. They closed the centre, looted the collection and burnt it out on the streets.

Unknown numbers of German Gay men and Lesbians fled abroad, and others entered into marriages in order to appear to conform to Nazi ideological norms, experiencing severe psychological trauma.

The discrimination was put into legislation by the Nazi’s with the revision of Paragraphs 175 and 175a of the German criminal code with the intent of expanding the range of criminal offences to encompass any contact between men, either physical or in form of word or gesture, that could be construed as sexual; and strengthening penalties for all violations of the revised law. Lesbianism was not included in this legislation, they were subsequently not targeted in the same way as gay men. However, Lesbians suffered the same destruction of community networks as gay men and often were not able to play roles in public life or work.

An estimated 10,000 -15,000 men who were accused of homosexuality were deported to concentration camps.

Just as Jews were forced to identify themselves with yellow stars, gay men in concentration camps had to wear a large pink triangle. There was also Brown triangles were used for Romani people, Red for political prisoners, green for criminals, blue for immigrants, purple for Jehovah’s Witnesses and black for “asocial” people, including prostitutes and lesbians.). This year for the first time we have included a black triangle in our flower wreath at the Belfast LGBTQIA Holocaust memorial event.

Pictured Left to Right – Professor William Spurlin from Brunel University and Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl, Belfast City Council

Many men in the camps died from exhaustion, others were castrated and some were subjected to gruesome medical experiments. Collective murder actions were undertaken against gay detainees, exterminating hundreds at a time. But after the war the suffering continued, the Allies chose not to remove the Nazi-amended Paragraph 175. Neither they, the new German states nor Austria would recognise homosexual prisoners as victims of the Nazis – a status essential to qualify for financial reparations. Indeed, many gay men were taken from camps and sent to prison to continue to serve their prison sentences.

We take the opportunity each year to mark the passing of those who were lost and those who survived this horrific time in our history.

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The EHRC have not reflected the UK Government’s own research or the expert opinion of the UN Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity on conversion therapy and gender recognition. They have not listened to the lived experiences of Trans people, who have suffered under the failing system of Trans health care and increasing transphobia and misogyny throughout the UK.

We must have no further delays, loopholes or excuses to implementing gender recognition reform in Scotland and beyond or in banning the inhumane practice of conversion therapy. Our communities need and deserve strong human rights institutions to hold people to account and ensure that human rights for all are embedded in legislation.

We will continue to call on the Prime Minister of Great Britain, First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, and First Minister of Scotland and their ministers to ensure legal recognition and protection.

We stand with the Trans Community, with our colleagues across the UK and Scotland that are rightly unsettled by these statements and reassure the LGBTQIA+ community that we will continue to fight for equality and justice for all.

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