Suffolk Pride say transgender and non-binary community need more support than ever

A group supporting LGBTQIA+ people in Suffolk say the transgender and non-binary community needs more support than ever.

Suffolk Pride says a lack of awareness and education in queer health has lead to major health inequalities.

Kate Lancaster from the group said: "Data does show that unfortunately in Suffolk, there are massive health disparages and health inequalities for queer people. Specifically trans and non-binary people.

"We've developed an event happening on the 22nd February, to develop the conversation around queer health."

The Queer Health Matters event, taking place at the The Hold - Ipswich Home of Suffolk Archives will be their first health event for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The event will see platform speakers from the local community, local professionals, charities and organisations share information and showcase how to access their services.

Kate added: "It's really important that as allies, we uplift our community, and look after them. In the heart of the events we put on, we're making sure that trans and non-binary communities are cared and catered for.

Suffolk Pride also tell us, that despite decades of campaigning, the community are facing more barriers than ever before.

Figures show that police recorded nearly 5,000 transphobic hate crime offences last year - while homophobic hate crimes sat at just under 23,000.

Kate said: "I think there's a base level always, and we can do as much as we can to reduce that. I think we might always have base line that exists unfortunately . Just right now, in today's climate we are seeing an increase in hate crime.

"That's exactly why Suffolk Pride is becoming a charity, and we're making that transition. Because we recognise the issue that unfortunately lays when pride is only seen to be happening in one month, and unfortunately that does not make a significant impact to the overall wellbeing of our community."

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