FLAC launches survey into LGBTQ+ legal needs in Ireland

FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) has launched a research survey aimed specifically at Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community who have experienced unmet legal needs. 

The survey aims to gather information on legal issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community and gain important feedback and insights that can help to inform policy and legal changes to positively impact the lives of countless individuals within the community. 

FLAC received funding from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth LGBTI+ Community Services Funding programme to establish the LGBTQ+ legal clinic and research project. 

This clinic provides tailored legal advice and information to LGBTQ+ individuals in areas such as family law, gender recognition and access to healthcare. This survey is a part of the broader research by FLAC, and the findings will be used to advocate for better services for LGBTQ+ people in meeting their legal needs.

“The LGBTQI+ community in Ireland has faced significant legal and societal barriers throughout history, and are working to shine a light on these challenges and work towards creating greater understanding and legal support where it is necessary,” said FLAC CE Eilis Barry. 

“We’re asking LGBTQI+ people across Ireland to participate in this survey and share their experiences so that we can better understand their unique legal needs and work to create more equitable and just policies. 

“The survey takes only around ten minutes to complete and can be accessed online securely and confidentially. Participants are encouraged to share their personal experiences and insights. LGBTQI+ voices matter, and the information gathered has the potential to lead to positive change in the future.”

FLAC Legal and Policy Officer Stephanie Lord, who is leading on the LGBTQ+ unmet legal needs research said; “Access to justice is a fundamental legal principle that ensures that every individual has the right to access the legal system and seek justice. However, this principle can only be achieved through an effective and efficient justice system that is capable of meeting the needs and requirements of those who seek access to it. 

“We know that unfortunately, many individuals including the LGBTQI+ community are denied this right for a variety of reasons including financial, geographical, educational, and cultural barriers that hinder their ability to access legal services. For these reasons, we’re conducting research into unmet legal needs as there is a massive research gap regarding what is needed.” 

Lord continued, “Those participating in this survey will be contributing to FLAC’s understanding of what the legal issues are that are frequently faced by the LGBTQI+ community. These insights may help to shape the future of legal and policy decisions in Ireland, leading to a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals.

“Assessments of unmet legal need of any group are a very under-researched and under-explored area in Ireland, despite being what should be an essential consideration in the design and delivery of legal services. This survey is the first large scale survey of unmet legal needs of the LGBTQI+ community in Ireland so has the potential to provide an incredible amount of learning for those interested in improving access to justice.” 

The survey is an opportunity for members of the LGBTQ+ community in Ireland to share their experiences and provide important feedback, with all responses being kept confidential and anonymous to ensure protection of privacy.

The FLAC survey is open until June 30, 2023 and can be accessed here. If you have any questions about the survey or would like further information on it, please email research@flac.ie.

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