Croydon’s director of public health, Rachel Flowers, said the borough was home to discrimination tactics that endanger the health of LGBTQ+ people.
In an annual report released this week, she highlighted LGBTQ+ health issues:
“Within our community discrimination and safety concerns continue to raise their ugly heads.
“There are people in the community who are afraid to be their authentic self and afraid to talk about their health needs.”
NEW: We must continue asking questions to get a better understanding of the health and wellbeing needs of our #LGBTQ+ community so that we can achieve a more inclusive, equal and healthier #Croydon. Read @racheljflowers latest health report for Croydon https://t.co/VR1KhN5S8g pic.twitter.com/iyZY6Etz0Q
— Your Croydon (@yourcroydon) February 29, 2024
Nationally, one in three LGBTQ+ young people experience mental health difficulties, compared to one in eight in the general population. One in seven LGBTQ+ people avoid treatment for fear of discrimination.
‘We have to keep questioning their own assumptions’
Speaking to City News’ Fiona Paus, Rachel Flowers said what she thinks needs to happen to improve health and safety in Croydon.
“People have to keep questioning their own assumptions. Those people who are not a part of the LGBTQ+ community can still be allies to their cause.”
‘Disproportionate health inequalities’
From the data she has seen, she has concerns that health and safety issues within the LGBTQ+ community are not being raised often enough.
“There are disproportionate health inequalities which we know are likely to be seen in the LGBTQ+ community.”
Despite outlining the challenges faced in Croydon, Rachel Flowers was keen to make clear her report still carried a positive message.
“There is optimism for the future and their are things we can all do.”
Find out more about this story on the City News Radio show at 3pm.
