GCA awarded LGBT Silver Charter Award
GCA was awarded the LGBT Silver Charter from LGBT Youth Scotland for being more inclusive to the LGBT+ community by reaching the required standard set by LGBTYS. GCA updated policies, provided LGBT+ training and awareness sessions, participated in LGBT+ events, produced an LGBT+ Substance Use E-learning course with SDF, led the Kinder Stronger Better project for the LGBT+ community when accessing Drug and Alcohol services, delivered alcohol awareness training to LGBT+ organizations, displayed LGBT banners and flags, created LGBT+ friendly GCA badges, contributed to LGBT+ and alcohol research with GCU, and had their Kinder Stronger Better campaign recognized as an exemplar and fantastic initiative.
We aim to meet the Silver Charter standards, and will improve our LGBTQI substance use service. We are part of the Glasgow LGBTQI Substance Use Partnership that developed the #KinderStrongerBetter campaign and website to provide information and support for LGBTQ+ people dealing with alcohol and drug abuse. Learn more about the Silver Charter award here.
History
Many LGBTI people faced criminalization, stigma, and discrimination. Although legal equality has advanced, many still face daily homophobia or transphobia from friends, family, work colleagues or wider society. LGBTI people are more likely to have mental health issues, suicidal thoughts, or to have self-harmed. In addition, over 50% of drinkers in the UK use alcohol as a way of coping with stress, and LGBT people face particular stresses from childhood and early adolescence onwards.
Research
LGBTI individuals in Scotland are more likely to consume alcohol excessively and it has been linked to sexual risk-taking and violence. This is due to coping mechanisms for marginalization and discrimination, as well as the commercial gay scene. Glasgow Council on Alcohol (GCA) is committed to ensuring inclusivity and is in collaboration with LGBTI organizations and staff for LGBTI-informed services. If you identify as LGBTI and require support or counseling for alcohol use, GCA provides counseling and support services. If you require support regarding your sexual or gender identity, there are other organizations available for tailored support.
LGBT Charter
GCA have signed up to be part of the LGBT charter. The LGBT Charter is a straightforward programme that enables your organisation or school to proactively include LGBTI people in every aspect of your work, protecting your staff and providing a high quality service to your customers, students or service users.
Read more here: https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/the-lgbt-charter/the-lgbt-charter-for-organisations/lgbt-charter-rights/
What is the LGBT Charter?
The LGBT Charter helps safeguard lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people’s human rights, particularly in receipt of services, as customers and at school. These rights draw on international human rights and relevant UK and Scottish legislation and have been developed in consultation with LGBT people about what’s most important to them. More detailed information about international human rights for LGBT people is available here.
- LGBT people have the right to be themselves and to live free from prejudice and discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
- LGBT people have the right to be kept from harm and be protected from hate crime, bullying and other forms of violence.
- LGBT people have the right to be heard, treated fairly and their views and experiences taken into account.
- LGBT people have the right to be healthy, with equal access to healthcare, and the impact of prejudice and discrimination on health properly addressed.
- LGBT people have the right to form relationships, free from abuse and with equality of recognition.
- LGBT people have the right to privacy and information about sexual orientation and gender identity not disclosed to others, without consent to do so.
- LGBT people have the right to education that recognises diversity and implements programmes that seek to eliminate prejudice on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
- LGBT people have the right to be cared for free from prejudice and discrimination and in every setting.
Help & Advice
If you feel you require support or would like to talk to a counsellor more specifically about issues around your sexual orientation or gender identity, you can get in touch with the following organisations:
LGBT Health and Wellbeing
12 Queen’s Cres, Glasgow G4 9AS
0141 271 2330
LGBT Health and Wellbeing runs a range of services and social groups for LGBT people of all ages. They also offer a counselling service.
For more information, visit their website.
LGBT Youth Scotland
30 Bell Street (3/2), Glasgow G1 1LG
0141 552 7425
LGBT Youth Scotland runs a range of youth groups as well as providing both telephone and online support to young people around their sexual orientation and gender identity.
Visit their website for more information.
6 Sandyford Place, Glasgow G3 7NB
0141 211 6700
The Sandyford Sexual Health clinics offer counselling services as well as sexual health screenings. You can find out more about the Sandyford Counselling Services here or call Sandyford about counselling on: 0141 211 6700
If you are a Gay or Bi-sexual man and want to talk to someone about your sexual health, arrange for a screening or discuss counselling, the Steve Retson Project offers a specific service for gay and bi-sexual men.
Find out more about the Steve Retson Project here.
Scottish Equality Network
30 Bernard Street, Edinburgh EH6 6PR
0131 467 6039
The Equality Network aims to bring about equality and improve the human rights situation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people in Scotland.
Transgender Alliance Scotland
30 Bernard Street, Edinburgh EH6 6P
0131 467 6039
The Transgender Alliance assist transgender people, service providers, employers and equality organisations to engage together to improve gender identity and gender reassignment equality, rights and inclusion in Scotland. We strive for everyone in Scotland to be safe and valued whatever their gender identity and gender reassignment status and to have full freedom in their gender expression. They also provide information about local support groups, resources and run a Trans Forum, which welcomes involvement from trans people across Scotland.
Find out more about Transgender Alliance Scotland her
