1 LGBTI Discrimination in Healthcare Odhrán Allen Director of Mental Health

2 What is the issue? The history of pathologisation and its enduring negative effects Inaccessible, inappropriate and absent healthcare Significant health inequalities evident among LGBTI people Relevant to all areas of health – general and mental health; pediatrics and old age health; hospital and community care; health research and policy

3 Research on Health Professionals & LGBTI Healthcare Lack of understanding of sexual orientation & gender identity Low level of knowledge on LGBTI health issues Incorrect/insensitive use of language with LGBTI people Presumption of sexual orientation and gender identity Biased-based approaches to healthcare provision (Health Service Executive; 2006, 2009, 2013)

4 Research on LGBTI People’s Healthcare Experiences Fear of using mainstream services & confidentiality worries Concerns about disclosing identity & fear of disrespect/discrim. Bad experiences in the past  fear of more bad experiences Incorrect information and guidance from professionals Lack of access to appropriate and/or supportive services (Mayock et al, Supporting LGBT Lives)