LGBTIQ+
LGBTIQ+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer. The plus sign symbolises many other identities included under the LGBTIQ+ umbrella. The acronym LGBTIQ+ is used to refer to a broad community of people who have been historically marginalised due to their sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics.
The HSE NSIO has developed a leaflet outlining LGBTQI+ terminology. You can print and display this in your service.
The HSE National Social Inclusion Office works to improve the healthcare outcomes of the LGBTIQ+ community.
LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy II
This strategy builds on the work of the first inclusion strategy and seeks to support the LGBTIQ+ community in Ireland through 4 pillars – Safety, Health and Wellbeing, Participation and Inclusion, and Equality and Non-Discrimination.
The HSE implements actions within the strategy under the Health and Wellbeing pillar focusing on:
- Mental Health supports
- LGBTIQ+ inclusive sexual health services
- Transgender healthcare
- Intersex healthcare
- Healthcare supports for the LGBTIQ+ community – including older people, people who use drugs
- Training of healthcare and social care staff
You can download the full Strategy document here (gov.ie)
You can download the Strategy Action Plan (2025-2026) here (gov.ie)
Training
More information on training is available here.
Research and supports available
The HSE National Social Inclusion Office and the National Office for Suicide Prevention co-funded the Being LGBTQI+ In Ireland Study. This research was led by Belong To and Trinity College Dublin and focuses on mental health and wellbeing of the LGBTQI+ community in Ireland.
This study includes the experiences of over 2800 LGBTIQ+ people in Ireland.
You can download the full report here (beinglgbtqi.ie)
You can download the key findings report here (beinglgbtqi.ie)
A sub-report in focused on the experiences of people who have variations in sex characteristics in Ireland was also published in May 2024. This sub-report provides an analysis of the responses of the 31 people who identified as intersex.
You can download the Intersex sub-report here (beinglgbtqi.ie)
Additional information
Supports available for the LGBTQI+ community
HSE Sexual Health Services (STI testing services)
Sexual Health 24 – Free STI at home tests
Sexual Wellbeing and Intimate Relationships for Lesbian, Bisexual and Queer Women
HSE Diversity Equality and Inclusion (DEI) coordinates the Reach Out network. The Reach Out Network is the HSE network for LGBTQIA+ staff and their allies. For more information visit the HSE DEI website or email diversity.hr@hse.ie