In March Shout! published an article entitled Rainbow Ripples about a research project which is investigating how well - or poorly - lgb disabled people are served in Leeds.

The research, organised by a group of disabled lgb people in Leeds and carried out by a researcher at Hull University, reveals how lgb disabled people face a double whammy, with gay groups discriminating against disabled people, and disabled groups discriminating against gay people.

The research is still ongoing, and the organisers are looking for people willing to be interviewed about their experiences.

So far, a questionnaire has been sent out to approximately 1000 organisations, including leisure centres, cinemas, GPs, dentists, job centres, social services, drop-in centres, taxi firms, churches, mosques, colleges, bars, housing associations and telephone help-lines, amongst a host of others. The researchers are currently interviewing a number of key service providers in the city in more detail.

Dr Ruth Butler, from the University of Hull, outlined the findings so far:

Problems with a lack of organisations that have specific policies for lgb disabled people and fail to plan for them.

A lack of support, and of campaigning groups, for lgb disabled people.

Homophobia in organisations providing services specifically for disabled people. eg the failure to accept people's partners in residential homes.

Disablism in organisations providing services specifically for lgb people, eg inaccessible lgb venues and a body-beautiful culture in such venues.

Automatic ideas amongst counsellors and psychologists that an individual’s being lesbian, gay or bisexual is at least part of the cause of any mental distress they may have.

Difficulties that all lgb, or all disabled people may face can be exaggerated because a person fits into both categories. eg if someone is worried about a taxi driver’s reaction if they ask to be dropped outside a gay venue may mean that they ask to be dropped a street or two away, but many disabled people may not be able to do this, as they cannot walk that far, cannot find their way, or need help to get out of the taxi and into the venue.

The research team says that these findings are probably familiar to many lgb disabled people, and say they ‘hope it is reassuring to know that you are not alone in the barriers you may be facing.’

Interviews with lgb disabled people themselves are one of the most important parts of the research, and the team still, urgently, need to hear from other lgb disabled people.

Butler would like to hear from people, even if they don’t necessarily consider themselves to be disabled: ‘We use the term disability very broadly to mean anyone who finds themself discriminated against in society because of mental distress, physical or sensory impairment or learning difficulty, or because they are a deaf person.

‘The more people we can interview the more policy makers will take the research seriously and be likely to listen to the issues we raise. If you could find time to be interviewed it really would make a huge difference.’

Participants can be reassured that everything they say is confidential, only Butler will hear what you say, and you ‘ll get a chance to check the transcript before she uses any of it. The names of any people or places which you feel may identify you will be removed.

Interviews last approximately 1½ hours and you will be paid £15 for your time. Butler says ‘we really do need your help and time is now pressing, so please consider contacting me.’

To take part in the research, or to ask for further information, contact Dr Ruth Butler (see below)