helpline@lesbianlinebelfast.org.uk

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Our Herstory & Ethos

Lesbian Line Belfast is a voluntary collective of Lesbian and Bisexual women who work for and on behalf of Lesbian and Bisexual women in Northern Ireland.

We were established in 1974 as part of the Cara-Friend organisation

http://www.cara-friend.org.uk

and became a distinct Lesbian organisation in 1978/9.

 

Framework of Association for Line members
 
  • We are a Voluntary Collective which is not formally associated and operates under the banner of Cara-Friend.
  • We are also a registered Charity with an Inland Revenue No.
  • We are managed by a collective of Line members by consensus, where possible, and by majority when consensus is not practical.
  • Lesbian Line is open to women (18+) who define themselves as Lesbian or Bisexual from all sections of the community.
  • Line members are bound by a volunteer contract of confidentiality and good practice.

 

Confidentiality Policy
 
A Line member should not give any personal details under any circumstances about any other Line member or participant of Lesbian Line.

Participants in our events are asked to remember the sensitivity of disclosure of other participant details and are asked to treat others' personal details with respect as women are at different stages of 'outedness'.

Confidentiality is not negotiable.

 
Harassment Policy
 

All Members have a responsibility to ensure a context in which the dignity of all Members is respected. They should be aware of the serious and genuine problems that harassment can cause, and ensure that their behaviour is beyond question and could not be considered in any way to be a harassment. They should also provide support to Members who may be harassed, by encouraging them to follow the agreed procedure.

 

Equality Policy
 

Lesbian Line operates an equality policy, which is inclusive of:

 
  • Age
  • Disability
  • Marital status
  • Nationality
  • Sexual orientation
  • Political opinion
  • Race* or ethnic origin
  • Religious belief
  • Those with or without dependants
 
Lesbian Line also upholds the right of:
 
  • A Line Member to confidentiality of personal information within the Line Membership
  • A caller and participant to confidentiality within the Line Membership
     
*Race is defined in line with the Race Relations (NI) Order and includes colour, race, nationality or ethnic or national origins. Irish Travellers are recognized by the Order as being members of a racial group.
 
 

Lesbian Line is opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination. Lesbian Line is committed to preventing any form of direct or indirect discrimination or victimization. 

In particular we will promote:

 
  • Participation of Roman Catholics and Protestants and other religious beliefs and none.
  • A good and harmonious environment where all women are treated with respect and dignity and in which no form of intimidation or harassment will be tolerated.