Working With Diversity, Northern Ireland Section 75 Equality Scheme Advice

People differ in their Sexual Orientation. Individuals may be gay, lesbian bisexual or heterosexual and will be of:

In Northern Ireland because of our socialisation, our background, our religious beliefs and our upbringing, it may be difficult to cope when someone tells you they are lesbian, gay or bisexual.

Being lesbian, gay or bisexual is not just about physical attraction, but encompasses the same need we all have to love another person and be loved by that person. We all hold the same basic emotional needs.

Sometimes you may have heard lesbian, gay or bisexual people spoken of as if their whole existence was limited only to their sexuality, but this is only one part of their being or how they define themselves.

Throughout history many of our great writers, poets, actors, scientists, artists, thinkers, sportsmen and women, philosophers, musicians and politicians were lesbian, gay or bisexual.

There are many figures in contemporary life who are lesbian, gay or bisexual including: Sir Elton John, Pam St. Clements (Pat in Eastenders), Martina Navratilova, Stephen Gately, KD Lang, Chris Smith (MP), Graham Norton and many many more

There are lesbian, gay, or bisexual people in your life, in your community, at your workplace

(Source: 'Mum, Dad I've got something to tell you' EHSSB Personal Social Services Directorate Oct 2001)

Lesbian – a woman who is emotionally and sexually attracted to other women.

Gay Man – a man who is emotionally and sexually attracted to other men.

Bisexual – a woman or man who is emotionally and sexually attracted to both men and women.

Homosexual – a man or a woman who is emotionally and sexually attracted to people of the same sex.

Heterosexual – a woman or man who is emotionally and sexually attracted to people of the opposite sex.

Transsexual – a man or woman who believes they were born with the wrong body for the gender they really are. Also known as 'Gender Dysphoria'. (Ref: to Transsexuals under Gender).

Transvestite – a man or woman who gets sexual or emotional pleasure from wearing clothing associated with the opposite sex.

Homophobic – an irrational fear, dislike, or hatred of people believed or perceived, to be lesbian or gay and may be expressed through name calling, ostracism, verbal and physical harassment e.g. “queer bashing” and acts of discrimination.

Heterosexism - a set of assumptions and practices that promote heterosexuality as the only valid and natural form of sexuality. Heterosexism rewards those who are heterosexual and penalises those who are not.

(Source: 'Mum, Dad, I've got something to tell you' EHSSB Personal Social Services Directorate.October 2001.)

Sexual Orientation is not something we choose, it is something which is formed within us.

There are two differing views as to what may determine sexual orientation.

One view would suggest that sexual orientation is in-born and as such is fixed and not subject to change.

The other view would suggest that our sexual orientation is formed as part of our development, shaped by influences in early childhood.

Some people are attracted to members of the opposite sex, some to members of their own sex and some to both sexes.

Whilst most people appear to have a clearly established sexual orientation, others find that their sexual feelings may vary at different times of their lives.

It is therefore important not to stereotype or label people, but instead to allow them to define their own sexuality.

All of the main Christian denominations, together with most traditional faiths, have taken the view that sexual activity is only appropriate between members of the opposite sex who are married to each other.

It is therefore unlikely that lesbian, gay or bisexual children / people will find acceptance within traditional faiths.

There are some small church related organisations in other countries which hold the view that there is no conflict between the Christian faith and lesbian, gay or bisexual relationships.

Many individuals within churches are now becoming more informed and are offering acceptance to lesbian, gay or bisexual people

(Source: 'Mum, Dad I've got something to tell you ' EHSSB Personal Social Services Directorate Oct 2001)

This research report was commissioned by the Equality Directorate at the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister with the aim of providing a 'broad evidence base to assist statutory bodies in effectively considering LGB issues in the development of policy and practice'.

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