Ms Brenda Kelly:

I touched on this in my opening statement. We did research on LGBTQ+ mental health throughout lockdown. Part of it looked at the barriers LGBTQ+ people face when accessing supports. One of the main findings was that when a person presented to services, such as drug services - some of our school research shows it is similar among teachers as well - they are experiencing further homophobia, transphobia and biphobia from workers in the services. That is something we in Belong To have seen in all sectors, the medical profession included. The current drugs strategy recommends the need for specialised referrals for LGBTQ+ people and marginalised communities, which would refer them to services such as the one I provide as a specialised drugs and alcohol worker for LGBT people. I agree with these specialised services. If I did not, I would be contradicting my whole role.

I also think it is just as important that staff in mainstream services, more traditional drugs and alcohol services and medical services, have the capacity, knowledge and skills to support LGBTQ+ people and other marginalised communities and that their policies, programmes and practices are all inclusive for the LGBTQ+ experience. To answer Deputy Hourigan's question, that is definitely something I have experienced and have heard from young people I have supported.