Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, Immigration and Integration, David Stanton TD, today joins the international community in sharing the vision of ‘Breaking the Silence’ on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia 2020.
Evidence confirms that marginalised groups are increasingly vulnerable during an emergency. During this current global Covid-2019 pandemic, many LGBTI+ people can feel more at risk due to rural isolation, loneliness, separation from peers, anxiety, health issues and domestic violence. It is now more important than ever not to retreat back into silence, but in this time of emergency to allow LGBTI+ voices to be heard, particularly during the planning and implementation of our response to Covid-19.
This reinforces the key messages in our National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021, that LGBTI+ people should be visible and included, treated equally, and feel healthy, safe and supported.
On May 17, the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia, we come together globally to ensure that LGBTI+ persons all over the world, who cannot speak up, will hear the sound of hope and solidarity.
We will continue our national and international efforts to sustain the progress made in this area and stand together to break the silence, to ensure the most vulnerable are heard and supported.
My Department will very shortly announce the membership of the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy Committee. The Committee will progress the 108 actions outlined in the Strategy, taking into account the issues and needs highlighted during Covid-19 to ensure fundamental changes for the better in the lives of LGBTI+ people.