CMAB launches training resources for frontline officers of disciplined services to enhance sensitivity towards sexual minorities (with photo)
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The training resources have been developed by clinical psychologists of the Social Welfare Department who have rich experience in designing and teaching relevant courses. The resources cover fundamental concepts of sexual orientation and gender identity, issues of concern relating to sexual minorities, and recommendations and points to note relating to the work of the disciplined services. During the webinar, registered social workers from PRIDE Line, a 24-hour support hotline for sexual minorities operated by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals, spoke on their experiences in interacting with and providing services to sexual minorities.
Addressing the webinar, the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Andy Chan, said, "The Government has all along been committed to promoting equal opportunities for people of different sexual orientations and gender identities with a view to fostering the culture and values of inclusiveness, mutual respect and non-discrimination. One of the key initiatives is to provide domain-specific training resources to cater for the needs of professionals in specific fields, and to enhance the practitioners' knowledge of and sensitivity towards sexual minorities.
"We express our gratitude to the experts who have developed the training resources, and for the invaluable advice from various government departments and social services organisations. The training resources will be included as part of the regular training programmes of the disciplined services."
Mr Chan added, "The Government will continue to enhance public understanding and knowledge of people of different sexual orientations and gender identities and to foster in the community an inclusive and mutually respectful atmosphere through various channels, including publicity and education, promoting to employers the Code of Practice against Discrimination in Employment on the Ground of Sexual Orientation, and drawing up a charter on non-discrimination of sexual minorities covering various domains for voluntary adoption by service providers.
"In addition, the CMAB will continue to provide support to worthwhile community projects which aim at promoting equal opportunities on the grounds of sexual orientation or gender identity, or seek to provide support services for sexual minorities through the Equal Opportunities (Sexual Orientation) Funding Scheme. We will also continue to provide funding to PRIDE Line for providing prompt support, counselling and referral services for sexual minorities as well as their family members to relieve the difficulties and stress faced in everyday life."
Ends/Wednesday, November 4, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:37
Issued at HKT 18:37
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