Buying a House: the pitfalls for unmarried same-sex couples
Vanessa Rhodes
Employment is insecure for many individuals as a result of this current crisis. Many workers are losing their jobs. Some LGBTQ people are being forced to move back into the family home, which can be an unsafe hostile environment, emphasising feelings of isolation and loneliness. Many of us are feeling isolated as a result of the current pandemic. However, given that the LGBTQ community is a minority in society, the impact of isolation is especially acute. As the community becomes spread further apart, this can emphasise the feeling of ‘difference’ and marginalisation.
Discrimination on the grounds of sexuality is not yet a thing of the past. According to the TUC report on LGBT+ workers’ experiences of harassment and discrimination 36% of LGBT workers have been harassed or bullied at work. The need to extinguish discrimination must not be forgotten during the current COVID-19 remote working world.
Research by Stonewall and The Mental Health Foundation show that people identifying as LGBTQ are at higher risk of experiencing a range of mental health problems, including: depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm and alcohol and substance misuse. Of those surveyed as part of The LGBT in Britain Health Report, in the last year, 52% experienced depression, 61% experienced anxiety, one in eight LGBT people aged 18-24 attempted to take their own life and 46% of trans people and 31% of LGBT people who aren’t trans thought about taking their own life.
The higher prevalence of mental ill health among members of the LGBTQ community can be attributed to a range of factors such as discrimination, isolation and homophobia. These factors are likely to be accentuated during this current pandemic.
So what can we do to help minimise workplace discrimination, create an inclusive culture and support those feelings isolated and/or suffering from mental health issues?
Nobody should be treated less favourably as a result of their sexuality, either in the workplace or elsewhere. However, the problem persists and the issues are heightened during this crisis. Let’s all work together to visibly demonstrate our support for the LGBTQ community and call out intolerance. Together we can ensure that those who are unsupportive of our friends fade away from society, rapidly becoming a distant memory.
Moira is a senior associate in our employment law team, she is an Ally and member of our Diversity and Inclusion group at Kingsley Napley. Moira is also the chair of our internal KN Families Network, which provides support and guidance to parents and carers within the firm.
Two thirds of LGBTQ people still being harassed at work: IDAHOBIT is a timely reminder of the work that still needs to be done
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