Scottish Liberal Democrats call for LGBT+ inclusion in schools and NHS

On the final day of LGBT+ History Month, Scottish Liberal Democrats have called on the SNP/Green Government to take forward a series of action points which will enhance LGBT+ inclusion, such as expanding training for NHS and school staff.

Scottish Liberal Democrats are calling for the Scottish Government to:  

• Fully implement the recommendations of the LGBT+ Inclusive Education Working Group, underpinned by new statutory guidance on the conduct of relationships, sexual health and parenthood education for schools.  
• Ensure that all NHS healthcare professionals can meet the needs of their LGBT+ patients by incorporating training that addresses barriers faced due to both sexual orientation and gender identity.  
• Commit to funding mandatory training for mental health professionals, including front line CAMHS staff, on supporting LGBT+ people, and ensure mental health and suicide prevention training delivered to NHS staff is inclusive.  
• Ensure that LGBT+ people can access welcoming and inclusive social care services, by providing targeted training for staff with a focus on those working in residential care settings.  
• Ensure that NHS reproductive health and fertility services recognise, and address, barriers and health inequalities faced by LGBT+ people, particularly by lesbian and bisexual women.  

Scottish Liberal Democrat social security spokesperson Caron Lindsay said:  

“While LGBT+ History month marks a time for us all to come together and celebrate progress towards equality, it’s also a chance to reflect on the work still to be done.

“The year’s theme was ‘Behind the Lens,’ and I think that theme really captures what we’re trying to do. Recognising what has not always been visible and what has often been denied.  

“Across all corners of society, LGBT+ people still face a host of barriers, some very visible and some not so visible. From health to education, even the smallest differences can have the biggest impact on the wellbeing of those around us.    

“There are simple steps that the Scottish Government could take. For example, helping healthcare and social care workers recognise LGBT+ specific issues and know how to address them would give patients the confidence that they are receiving the best possible care. Likewise, the Scottish Parliament was right to back plans for LGBT+ inclusive education but the implementation of this has been patchy at best. It's time for a redoubled effort.  

“I hope that over the course of this month we have considered the challenges facing the LGBT+ community as we continue our fight for a fair, progressive and equal Scotland.”