Proud to be part of Equal Rights: FLAC officially launches LGBTQI+ Clinic

FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) officially launches their pilot LGBTQI+ legal clinic in Dublin today, Monday May 30 2022.

Eilis Barry CE of FLAC, speaking in advance of the official launch said;

“FLAC is very proud to stand for equality and continue to work for the LGBTQI+ community in Ireland by establishing this LGBTQI+ service where lesbian, gay, non-binary and trans individuals can access high quality legal advice in a safe, and supportive environment.

FLAC is keenly aware from the legal services we provide that people in the LGBTQI+ community still experience discrimination and stigmatisation - and this negative experience can be exacerbated by the absence of access to legal advice and representation.

Hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity are not considered an aggravating factor in sentencing - all the more shocking given the recent cases of acts of violence against LGBTQI+ individuals seen in Ireland. There is still no explicit prohibition of discrimination in employment or the provision of goods and services based on gender identity, or legal recognition of non-binary gender. Further compounding this equality crisis is the lack of legal aid in discrimination claims."

We are also seeing increasing discrimination against trans people in contemporary discourse, and to invoke the words of Marsha P. Johnson - there cannot be pride for some, without liberation for all.

We are delighted that Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O'Gorman TD will today officially launch the clinic.

Speaking ahead of the launch event, Minister O’Gorman said,

“I and the Government are fully committed to improving the lives of members of the LGBTI+ Community in Ireland.  We know that, unfortunately, members of the LGBTI+ Community are often disproportionately impacted by discrimination. This project will provide tailored legal advice and advocacy to LGBTI+ people through a specialised legal advice clinic.  I am delighted that my Department could provide financial support to FLAC towards the development of such an important service.”

FLAC CE Eilis Barry stated:

“We have little data about unmet legal need, or the social and financial consequences of this. It is for this reason that FLAC has started a project exploring unmet legal needs in the LGBTQI+ community, including this pilot LGBTQI+ legal clinic, where people can seek access free legal advice on issues related to sexual orientation or gender identity.”

FLAC established a Steering Group including several LGBTQI+ organisations to advise the project on issues affecting the LGBTQI+ community. This plays an important role in ensuring that the project reaches the target group. The current members of the Steering Group are The Switchboard, The Gay Project, Dundalk Outcomers, Amach LGBT, GOSHH, Intersex Ireland, LINC, Lesbian Lawyers, LGBT Ireland, TENI, HIV Ireland. 

“FLAC is especially pleased to officially launch this legal clinic as Pride celebrations begin. We look forward to continuing to provide legal services to those who are marginalised and vulnerable, building on our work towards access to justice for all.”

/ENDS

Spokesperson:  Eilis Barry, FLAC CE

Contact Details   

Caroline Smith, FLAC Media & Communications Officer: 

Telephone:  01 8873600 / 086-2618543   

Email: caroline.smith@flac.ie  

Address: FLAC, 85/86 Dorset Street Upper, Dublin 1.   

@flacireland fb.me/flacireland w: www.flac.ie  

Or

Susan Dennehy, FLAC Communications Consultant:

0871251755