Rainbows aren’t just for June

Today is the last month of #pridemonth2023🌈

However, while the rainbows may be taken down many places from tonight — the #RainbowBadges in the #HSE will be staying for the many healthcare professionals already wearing them.

Because the health issues for this vulnerable group persist:

– 1 in 7 patients avoiding treatment for fear of discrimination.

– 75% Irish LGBTI+ people feel healthcare providers lack knowledge and sensitivity to #LGBTI+ issue

– more than half of Irish LGBTI+ young people self-harm

– 2 in 3 seriously consider suicide

– 1 in 3 have attempted suicide – three times the national average (average age of first attempt is just 15 years old)

“The badge itself is intended to be a simple visual symbol identifying its wearer as someone an LGBTI+ person can feel comfortable talking to about issues relating to sexuality or gender identity. It shows that the wearer is there to listen without judgement and signpost to further support if needed….. The aim of this initiative is to actively break down barriers which LGBTI+ people may face within the HSE.” (from HSE Rainbow Badge on the HSE website – you can read more about it.)