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A more equal S’pore for everyone, including LGBT group

I refer to the letter “LGBT debate: Focus more on income, housing, security issues” (July 2). I agree that we should focus more on practical issues such as income, housing and security for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people.

More research must be done on the LGBT community to better understand any problems they may face. TODAY file Photo

More research must be done on the LGBT community to better understand any problems they may face. TODAY file Photo

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I refer to the letter “LGBT debate: Focus more on income, housing, security issues” (July 2). I agree that we should focus more on practical issues such as income, housing and security for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people.

It has been shown across different societies that there is an income disparity between LGBT people and the majority heterosexual-cisgender community. Transgender people especially face employment barriers because of ignorance and prejudice.

In terms of housing, while there are no official statistics on youth homelessness in Singapore, several LGBT support organisations have anecdotally handled cases of youth who have left home because of family rejection, abuse and other reasons.

In terms of security, anti-LGBT violence and discrimination are urgent concerns.

It was reported that out of the 448 respondents to a 2012 survey by LGBT counselling group Oogachaga, 14 per cent indicated having been physically attacked or sexually harassed, for example, because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

More research must be done on the Singaporean LGBT community to better understand any problems they may face in these and other areas such as healthcare and education.

As we celebrate SG50 this year, let us not neglect our minorities, but work as a society towards creating a safer, more equal Singapore for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

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