Sexual Orientation Strategy
Following Executive approval on 24 September 2020, work began on the development of the Social Inclusion Strategies: Anti-Poverty, Disability, Gender Equality and Sexual Orientation. The current Programme for Government intends to make sure that everyone can participate in society through the introduction of Social Inclusion Strategies. These strategies will begin to address the issues, barriers and disadvantages that prevent everyone from participating equally in our society. Work on drafting the Sexual Orientation strategy is ongoing.
Expert panel
In October 2020 an Expert Advisory Panel was established with knowledge and expertise of the LGBTQI+ sector which allowed them to make effective recommendations on the themes and key actions the Strategy should address.
The panel have been drawn from the academic and voluntary and community sectors. They are:
- Dr Fidelma Ashe of the Ulster University
- Cara McCann, Director, HERe NI
- Ellen Murray, Executive Director, TransgenderNI
- John O’Doherty, Director, The Rainbow Project
The terms of reference of the Expert Panel are published on the DfC website.
In March 2021 the Expert Panel published their recommendations and their report is available.
The Report includes the recommendation for renaming the Strategy as the LGBTQI+ Strategy – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or Questioning), Intersex+ – to encompass the diversity of the LGBTQI+ community beyond the issue of sexual orientation.
Co-design Group
The Co-design Group will support and advise the Departmental LGBT Policy team on the development and content of the Strategy and action plan and the wider stakeholder engagement that is conducted as the Strategy is developed, ensuring that the lived experiences of people are appropriately reflected in the Strategy.
The Group is made up of key stakeholders who can represent the views of the sector and help DfC to understand the experience of, and issues faced by, people in the LGBTQI+ communities.
Membership of the Sexual Orientation Strategy Co-Design Group is as follows (in no particular order):
- Cara-Friend
- Changing Attitude Ireland
- Equality Commission NI
- GenderJam NI
- HERe NI
- NI Human Rights Commission
- NIPSA LGB&T Group
- Queerspace
- Rural Community Network
- SAIL NI
- The Rainbow Project
- UNISON NI LGBT Group
The terms of reference of the Co-design Group are published on the DfC website.
Cross-departmental Working Group
The Cross-departmental Working Group supported DfC in the development of a draft Sexual Orientation Strategy and action plan. This work was based on the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Panel and the views expressed by the Co-Design Group and through wider stakeholder engagement.
Membership of the Sexual Orientation Strategy Cross-departmental Working Group is as follows (in no particular order):
- Department for the Economy
- Department for Infrastructure
- Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
- Department of Education
- Department of Finance
- Department of Health
- Department of Justice
- The Executive Office
The terms of reference of the Cross-departmental Working Group are published on the DfC website.