Research shows reality of discrimination against LGBT nurses

New research shows Lesbian or Gay nurses are more likely to hide their sexuality, leading to feelings of isolation.

The research will be presented at the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation's first LGBT Conference in Dublin today.

The conference will address the daily reality of discrimination and fear facing LGBT nurses and midwives, and the effect of this on their workplaces.

DCU Sociologist Dr Mel Duffy said "being out" in the workplace can improve productivity.

She said: "They have a tendency to work better, be happier, take less sick days as they know they don’t have to hide who they are and they are welcome members of their workforce and they can talks about their weekends, what they did, their families and anything that affects them as human beings.

"They don’t find that they are actually being socially isolated by listening to the talk of hetrosexuality and not being part of that conversation."