Findings of a survey of the views of people identifying as. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender. Northumberland Community Development Network

Transcription

1 LGBT Northumberland Findings of a survey of the views of people identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender Who live, work or socialise in Northumberland Produced by Northumberland Community Development Network with A L C G NORTHUMBERLAND O T S S Campaigning for LGBT Equality Across Northumberland LGBT April 2012 Northumberland JL 1

2 This report contributes to a fuller understanding of the views and experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans (LGBT) people who live, work or socialise in Northumberland. Northumberland Community Development Network (NCDN) had been supporting a small network of LGBT people for several years, and the group decided that an online survey would help widen its membership, but would also provide an anonymous route for LGBT people to share their views. They were also aware that public sector bodies were interested to know more about how LGBT people in the community view their services, particularly in the context of the Equality Duty, with its requirement to publish equalities data by January 2012 and to establish equality objectives by April The responses were collected between November 2011 to January 2012, and a total of 46 people took part. The LGBT Network will look at the findings of this research, share them with respondents and with other interested parties in an anonymised form, and will follow up with all those who gave details and expressed an interest in getting involved in further activities. Introduction The survey was compiled using formats available on Survey Monkey. Most questions gave multiple choice options, and encouraged respondents to add further comments to clarify their answers. The survey consisted of four sections: Issues of identity and belonging Questions for people who are involved in LGBT communities Questions for people not involved in LGBT communities Ideas for improving Northumberland for LGBT people The following text was used to introduce the survey, and to reinforce the confidential basis of the material. JL 2

3 A small group is meeting to develop a network for Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) people, who want to play an active part in improving their experience of being LGBT in Northumberland. The group is supported by the Northumberland Community Development Network as part of its equality programme and is run by and for LGBT people. This survey is seeking the views of LGBT people who live, work or socialise in Northumberland, whether or not they feel part of any particular LGBT community. We're interested in finding out how belonging to the LGBT 'community' can be made difficult because of access, transport, costs, or attitudes and whether you feel you belong to other communities as well. We also want to know what makes 'community' a success for you, and what support you might want to develop your involvement. Some of the questions will ask you to tick boxes, but there are also places for your comments and suggestions. The survey should take around 5-10 minutes to complete. Your responses will remain confidential, and you need only share contact details if you would like to be kept in touch. Many thanks for participating and please pass on the link to others. In summary, the report has highlighted: The diversity of interests within the LGBT community The relative invisibility of an LGBT community in Northumberland The inequalities LGBT people experience The priorities expressed by LGBT people which include more social opportunities, a more open culture through active awareness-raising, pro-active support particularly in relation to homophobia and hate crime. The willingness of LGBT people to play a positive role in improving their situation within the county. JL 3

4 Summary of responses The report shows responses in graph format, and also lists more detailed responses from individual participants. 1. Feeling part of any LGBT community Other responses: Previously married Lesbian and very proud. FTM (female to male) JL 4

5 2. Being out or open Yes always Sometimes Not very often Never Response Count Family 52.1% (25) 27.1% (13) 10.4% (5) 10.4% (5) 48 Friends 62.5% (30) 29.2% (14) 6.3% (3) 6.3% (3) 48 Workplace 32.6% (14) 37.2% (16) 16.3% (7) 14.0% (6) 43 School / College / place of 28.0% 24.0% (6) 16.0% 32.0% 25 JL 5

6 study (7) (4) (8) In public 18.6% (8) 51.2% (22) 16.3% (7) 14.0% (6) 43 In community groups or activities 22.7% (10) 50.0% (22) 18.2% (8) 9.1% (4) 44 Health settings 39.5% (17) 39.5% (17) 7.0% (3) 14.0% (6) 43 In learning 30.6% (11) 38.9% (14) 11.1% (4) 19.4% (7) 36 Additional Comments I feel that in today's society, education is lacking about why people live their lives differently from the norm. Personally in some situations I feel uncomfortable to be open about who I am and it is down to the lack of education of the listener regarding LGBT knowledge, and their reaction on the subject. I feel able to be open when I want to be but am quite a private person so don t talk about my sexuality a lot. I am not so open as I would like to be. This is probably a legacy of my age and the fact that it took me many years to come to terms with my sexuality. I am much more confident than I used to be, but I am also a very private person. I'm out about my sexuality to a degree as there's a lot of stigma in the LGBT community about being bisexual. As I'm married to a woman, it's only those who I know won t have an issue with me being bi know my true identity, other people I let assume I'm a lesbian. Outside of the LGBT community, I come out to people I think I want to know, those who I won t be seeing again...why would I disclose it?? I work in Haltwhistle in a very traditional community and although I have no problems being out to colleagues I have experienced enough of some people s attitude not to risk being out within the community I work with. JL 6

7 I have ended a long term relationship with a man and am now in a relationship with a woman, some friends, colleagues know and I have tried to get involved with some LGBT groups but most of my family do not know as yet that I am anything other than heterosexual. Came out 2 class mates when I was 39. My sexuality should not interfere with my work activities, people do know but it has no bearing in my duties. I must be sensitive in some community settings partly because of the needs of any host organisations, if expressed - and I will raise it - partly on account of whether the theme of the event includes LGBT issues, and partly for my own safety. Being out re services- depends on the attitudes and awareness of the staff and can be dependent on individual responses. Confidentiality: I am aware of the information kept by organisations being available to many staff members and inappropriate or disrespectful comments made. The (false) opinion that heterosexuality is normal and any other is in need of treatment or the result of an unfortunate experience, still prevails, even in the NHS. Golly - didn't think it was that bad! There are transphobic people within my workplace and college who have voiced their disgust towards trans people within discussions I have had with them which doesn't fill me with confidence to be open about my history or current medical circumstances and why I may have to take time off for surgery leading me to be taking it as allocated holiday time otherwise I feel my job will not be safe otherwise. JL 7

8 3. Please tick any of the following boxes if you also identify with groups based on your experience of: Response Percent Response Count Ethnicity 4.3% 1 Gender 60.9% 14 Impairment / disability 21.7% 5 Mental Health 21.7% 5 Language 8.7% 2 Locality 30.4% 7 Other responses: JL 8

9 Parenting 4. Are you involved in any groups or activities within the LGB or T community? Response Percent Response Count Yes 34.0% 16 No 66.0% 31 SECTION TWO: FOR PEOPLE INVOLVED IN LGBT COMMUNITIES 5. Please describe that community group or activity. I have been involved in Gay Men Tyneside and was a volunteer with Friend Newcastle (later Tyne and Wear Gay Switchboard.) JL 9

10 MCC Newcastle, a church for the LGBT community, I'm also a Director for the LGBT Federation (a networking group for LGBT people in the north east) Women s groups and community networks such as dyke hikes Attended lgbt fed meeting, also member of work based lgbt support group Gay Outdoor Club Stonewall Group in workplace It is an older lesbian group. Northern Pride (Last year, not sure about this year due to work and university comitments) I help run a walking group for Lesbians NCDN Across Northumberland LGBT Network LGBT Expert Centre LGBT Health Northumberland LINk NDDN Member of neoln and lgbt fed and was involved with lesbian line. LGBT youth group 6. Where does it take place? MCC Newcastle (St James church - next to Northumbria Uni), LGBT Fed meetings take place in Stockton & Newcastle Based around Newcastle Central Square Various locations throughout north east England and occasionally further afield Merley Croft Morpeth JL 10

11 In various venues mostly Tyne and Wear. Newcastle Across Northumberland and occasionally Teeside/Durham and Lake District NCDN : Northumberland LGBT Health - online Gay Rights - based in wales but online NEOLN in events and individual houses. Lesbian line operated out of Mesmac. Newbiggin arts forum 7. What is your role in it? MCC Newcastle - member of the congregation LGBT Fed - Director participant Went along for first time yesterday so no specific role Participating and contributing to rural group walks Member Quite limited due to not being able to drive. It is also quite a distance sometimes to activities. Event and Logistics Manager I am one of the walk leaders and sit on the committee. Being a nuisance, raising issues: many agencies are single issue or blinkered, and they only see LGBT as about sexuality. Member. Was chair of management committee with lesbian line Active older member 8. In what ways is the group / activity working well? MCC Newcastle - good place for the LGBT community to be welcomed to worship and not be turned away or made to change in order to worship god JL 11

12 LGBT Fed - going through a period of change at the moment due to funding. Hard to reach all of the LGBT community in the North East Friendships and networking Seem to have lots of funding/money to spend on activities, thought it was good so many young people were there, regional basis but lacked direction or clear ethos I felt It is a group of longstanding friends, always keen to encourage newcomers who enjoy walking and other outdoor activities Raises issues and looks at support for staff It has worked well if an activity has been near enough for me to get to it. I have enjoyed meeting the other women involved. Covers the whole region We have between 12 and 30 women attending the monthly walks Networks work well when they are open, flexible and promoted. The group has not yet developed a policy, but the commitment is clear and encouraging. Neoln has a variety of activities and opportunities for debate Good support for members through discussion and accessing resources. 9. What do you feel has helped in this success? JL 12

13 Anything else? It is difficult for me to be as involved as I would like to be. My free time is limited and there are issues around my disability and accessible public transport. I don't drive. I heard about it through the staff based group I go to Its a way of Lesbians gathering informally and enjoying an activity together. Regular s between members e.g. about logo and aligning meetings with other activities e.g. HATE CRIME 10. Did you have a role in starting up the group or community activity? Response Percent Response Count I helped form it 16.7% 2 JL 13

14 It was already existing 83.3% 10 Other? Formerly regional contact; role now taken by others 11. Did you feel excluded, nervous or worried about getting involved in "LGBT" groups or activities for any reason? Please tell us more I was made to feel very welcome. It's hard to be involved sometimes as the only thing we have in common is our non heterosexual sexuality, so it s difficult to find common ground with people aside from their sexuality. A group has got to be more than meeting because we're all LGBT... Would be around my workplace I feel nervous as the assumption is usually that you are "out" but this is a process, not a one off event for many people and consequences can sometimes arise from this eg I had my photo taken before I realised this was happening, while I was talking and although it was noted people could ask for this not to happen, to see P, I didn t know who P was because I hadn t been before! My picture may now be on the website by accident rather than a clear choice, and whilst I am ok now about it, I think things like this need to be done with greater care, not everyone's situation is the same, my male ex is very abusive for example and I don t want him to know anything about my life I'm always nervous about new groups but realise it is helpful to make a contribution to gain any benefit. No No No problem in supporting LGBT Groups No JL 14

15 Yes, very often I am shouted down, in a very middle-class way, by people assuming I agree with them. They do not take account of my communication needs. They also seem to be very rushed: meetings are not long enough to consider issues properly. The "gay" movement has always had this tendency to have its agenda already written, and makes lots of assumptions about what people 'ought' to want. Not nervous though sometimes challenged by debates on issues I'm not clear how or why I feel I don't know what I feel I was worried before the first time I went as I used to become anxious in new situations but once I was there I had a great time. Section Three: FOR PEOPLE NOT INVOLVED 13. If you have made a positive choice not to get involved in LGBT groups or activities, please give some details about your decision. I have only just started exploring my sexuality JL 15

16 I really want to be involved in Trans issue however not well organised. I used to be a volunteer when we had an LGBT group in Morpeth, I work in the medical profession and would be interested in joining/assisting with a new group. I am open within my work environment about my sexuality and have not experienced any problems but when encouraged to join in with LGBT groups, I have become resistant as I do not feel that my sexuality has anything to do with the job I do and just because I am gay, I shouldn't have to have involvement in such groups; they are good for those who want to get involved. Completely unaware of any LGBT groups in Northumberland, and Newcastle scene is not great if you are not interested in getting drunk and are 20 years old. I have found them annoying and arrogant at times Have no need to be involved. I do things based on my interests, not on the basis of my sexuality I am not aware of any groups in the area No reason - Just not active in LGB issues atm Scared of repercussions 14. Have you felt excluded, nervous or worried about getting involved in "LGBT" groups or activities for any reason? Please tell us more JL 16

17 I attend a reading group monthly and attend creative writing groups occasionally and go to poetry performances when I can None Musical - classical, folk Sport - Jujitsu, karate Social groups meeting for a chat and coffee Various sports/fitness activities. Going out to 'straight' pubs. Activities based on interest e.g. singing, dancing. Activities based on location (i.e. where I live) Local sports group n/a SECTION FOUR: YOUR IDEAS FOR IMPROVING NORTHUMBERLAND FOR LGBT PEOPLE JL 17

18 As someone who has spent almost thirty years as a local Councillor I have always worked as a Councillor first, but I have taken an active part in equalities issues in particular LGBT and disability. I generally don t have any issues as a result of my sexuality other than biphobic comments from the LGBT community! More recently my partner and I are actively starting to try for a baby, so feel that there needs to be more out there for LGBT parents on what options are available and being able to talk to other people who have gone through the process. None of the above have been personal issues but have been issues with people I have been involved with in my work in the community. I am going through a divorce after a long time married with children, this was due to abusive behaviour by my ex, but I am also coming out and some people assume my marriage ended because I'm gay, rather than bi because I am now in a relationship with a woman, it may be the case that I may identify as gay later but because this is my first same sex relationship, I can t be sure of that as yet. It makes it hard to come out to colleagues and friends about my relationship, everyone assumes I am single and if I tell them they will assume I left my husband because of it, even though this started later. I have told my eldest child who is fine with it but not the younger two, I haven t told wider family because of faith issues, and also I dont want to give myself more to deal with ie their feelings about this, than I am already having to cope with due to my ex's harassment of me, and no end in sight re divorce. It is also difficult to join groups because I have care of the children, and my ex does not take them for contact so I get no time off as such except if the eldest child babysits. I don t think many lgbt groups understand the complexity of issues for people like me, and whilst I like taking part and doing what I can to change attitudes in society/socialise with other lgbt people, I dont come across people in my situation in these groups. Awareness sometimes needs raising in lgbt groups too, we are not all the same, but the assumption often is that we lead similar lifestyles I don't have any concerns, I also don't feel qualified to have priorities for others LGBT people. Not very gay friendly. JL 18

19 19. What are your three priorities for improving life for LGBT people in Northumberland? The responses to this question have been clustered by frequency, so that the overall priorities for the while group can be more clearly identified. Social life Having groups to socialise with Social activities Non-alcohol meeting places / events One off nights for older (over 30's) people More visibility- I dont know of any specific Northumberland based groups/venues etc Rural network - not everyone lives and works in Newcastle of the south east of the county. None sexualised / non pub related activities option to meet others Events in the early evenings for people in employment More positive advertising of groups Greater visibility of LGBT groups Finding virtual ways to be in contact with other lgbt Creating a more open culture Awareness raising (without risking getting the backlash) LGBT issues being noted BY local authority. Local authority being involved in LGBT awareness, such as IDAHO and LGBT history month Letting everyone know there are LGBT people in Northumberland! Encouraging LGBT to feel part of a wider community That LGBT people can participate with communities other than LGBT communities Helping to make LGBT people more present in local society Visibility & barriers to such Education within schools. Schools to become more involved in sexual health issues Stopping homophobia before it gets started. Promotion of positive image of Trans persons. Education that trans and homophobia will not be tolerated JL 19

20 More positive press about LGBT people. Harassment and discrimination Freedom from harassment Reduce bullying and harassment, particularly for young people Security/Policing- Maintaining the high standard of police work in the community, taking hate crime seriously and protecting those vulnerable to it. Equality Enjoy freedoms through diversity Acceptance Freedom of Choice Support Relationship/peer support network Access to support for all age groups in LGBT communities Gay parents Help for the younger generation coming out Support for people coming out at work Access to counselling. Access to therapies for people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression etc. Respect Health needs housing suitable in old age Mediation in family disputes and social housing Addiction issues etc 20. If you would be interested in taking part in activities that help to address your priorities, how would you prefer them to be organised? JL 20

21 Other responses There are limitations on my time and mobility but I am always willing to give things a go! I am a qualified senior nurse & practice alternative therapies for people suffering stress, anxiety, depression etc. and would be willing to assist in these areas. all are valuable Fund-raising 21. Which times suit people best for taking part in group activities Other responses I think I am pretty clued up about information and advice but need to widen my horizons! Activities for older people None of the above JL 21

22 Future Involvement 27 of the 48 respondents gave contact details and expressed an interest in being contacted to explore further opportunities for networking. JL 22