Doug Beattie MC MLA, who heads up an Ulster Unionist working group on LGBTQ+ issues, has said that training provided by Cara-Friend to UUP MLAs and constituency staff is an important step in learning more about the issues facing the LGBTQ+ community in Northern Ireland.
Doug Beattie MC MLA said:
“At the Pink News reception our Party Leader Robin Swann laid out a vision that we want the Ulster Unionist Party to be a comfortable home for LGBTQ+ members of society and a party they could be proud to vote for.
“As part of the ongoing work of the LGBTQ+ working group that has been established within the Party, we hosted a training session for MLAs and constituency office staff this morning on LGBTQ+ awareness. This session offered participants the opportunity to learn more about our LGBTQ+ members of society and the issues and inequalities they face.
“There is much to be done to improve LGBTQ+ young people’s experiences in Northern Ireland, with high levels experiencing bullying and poor mental health. Today was an important step in understanding these issues better as a group and in ensuring our offices are equipped to help those who come through their doors.
“Whilst our work remains ongoing, as a Party we continue to take steps in playing our part in improving inclusiveness and quality of life for the LGBTQ+ members of our society.”