LGBTQI Survey Launch
31 May 2023
Press Release on LGBTQI Survey Launch
FLAC Launches Research Survey to Address Unmet Legal Needs in Ireland's LGBTQI+ Community
FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) has launched a research survey aimed specifically at members of Ireland's LGBTQI+ community who have experienced unmet legal need. The survey aims to gather information on legal issues affecting the LGBTQI+ community and gain important feedback and insights that can help to inform policy and legal changes to positively impact the lives of countless individuals within the community.
"The LGBTQI+ community in Ireland has faced significant legal and societal barriers throughout history, and are working to shine a light on these challenges and work towards creating greater understanding and legal support where it is necessary," said FLAC CE, Eilis Barry.
"We're asking LGBTQI+ people across Ireland to participate in this survey and share their experiences so that we can better understand their unique legal needs and work to create more equitable and just policies. The survey takes only around ten minutes to complete and can be accessed online securely and confidentially. Participants are encouraged to share their personal experiences and insights. LGBTQI+ voices matter, and the information gathered has the potential to lead to positive change in the future.”
FLAC Legal and Policy Officer Stephanie Lord, who is carrying out the research project said;
"By participating in this survey, you will be contributing to our understanding of what the legal issues are that are frequently faced by the LGBTQI+ community. These insights may help to shape the future of legal and policy decisions in Ireland, leading to a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals. This survey is the first large scale survey of unmet legal needs of the LGBTQI+ community in Ireland so has the potential to provide an incredible amount of learning for those interested in improving access to justice.”
FLAC received funding from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth LGBTI+ Community Services Funding programme to establish a LGBTQI+ legal clinic and research project. This clinic provides tailored legal advice and information to LGBTQI+ individuals in areas such as family law, gender recognition and access to healthcare. This survey is a part of the research project.
The online survey is an opportunity for members of the LGBTQI+ community in Ireland to share their experiences and provide important feedback, with all responses being kept confidential and anonymous to ensure protection of privacy.
The survey will remain until 30th June 2023 and can be accessed here: https://forms.gle/X24Ma1SsLmhd1V4c8
ENDS
About FLAC
FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) is an Irish human rights organisation, which exists to promote equal access to justice. As an NGO, FLAC relies on a combination of statutory funding, contributions from the legal professions and donations from individuals and grant-making foundations to support its work.
FLAC offers basic legal information through its telephone information line on 01 906 10 10.
Our phone line operates Monday to Friday from 9.30am-1pm. With an additional phone line information service on Monday evenings from 7-9pm for callers who cannot call during the morning.
FLAC provides legal advice directly to members of both the Roma Community, The Irish Traveller Community and most recently the LGBTQI+ Community via specialist legal clinics. FLAC also campaigns on a range of issues including consumer credit, personal debt, and fairness in social welfare law, public interest law and civil legal aid.
ABOUT THE FLAC LGBTQI+ Legal Clinic
FLAC is committed to providing a welcome and confidential environment for LGBTQI+ people seeking legal advice. Building on previous initiatives, FLAC has established a pilot LGBTQI+ free legal clinic in order to meet the specific needs of the gay and trans community. This clinic is funded until the end of August 2023.
This weekly clinic is appointment only, and can provide advice on a wide range of legal issues where gender and sexuality are a factor, including discrimination matters, equality, family law, gender identity, immigration, hate crimes, and access to healthcare. Consultations may be held remotely or in-person in our Dublin office.
If you have a legal query and wish to speak to a legal practitioner in the FLAC LGBTQI+ clinic, please send an email to lgbtqi@flac.ie including your full name, phone number and a brief description of your query and a FLAC representative will be in touch. FLAC is also currently conducting research on unmet legal needs in the LGBTQI+ community so our representative may ask if you wish to participate in this research.
You can find more information about the clinic here: https://www.flac.ie/help/centres/lgtbqi/