Rainbow Ripples

Leeds Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Disabled People's Group

About Us

We are a group run BY and FOR lesbian, gay and bisexual people. We work to the Social Model of Disability which says that people are disabled by barriers in society, not by medical conditions.

Research

We have just completed a grounbreaking piece of research into Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Disabled People's experiences of service provision in Leeds. See the Research page.

Our aims are to:

Educate service providers to develop appropriate services for disabled people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Influence and inform policy making and implementation.
Campaign for better services for disabled people who are lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Network locally and nationally to find out the needs and wants of lesbian, gay and bisexual disabled people andhow these have been met in other areas.
Monitor services and share good practice.

We believe that, as a community of people, we:

Are currently invisible, neglected and unrepresented
Do not have any services that specifically meet our needs

If you are are lesbian, gay or bisexual and you define yourself as a disabled person

You are welcome to be part of the group! whether you:

Have a physical or sensory impairment
Experience mental distress
Have a learning difficulty

LGB People in Relationships / Civil Partnerships and Means Tested Benefits

As of December 5th 2005, Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual people claiming means-tested benefits risk having their benefits reduced if the Department for Work and Pensions or HM Revenue and Customs think they are in a same sex-relationship. This can occur even where they are not in a registered civil partnership. There is no transitional protection available for existing claimants, unlike where other benefits changes have been made in the past.

Rainbow Ripples is currently campaigning for greater awareness and for a change in the ruling on this issue.

Rainbow Ripples Briefing on Same Sex Relationships and Benefits Changes (PDF file, 48Kb)

For more information:

Contact Rainbow Ripples.

Email: info@leedsinvolvement.org.uk

Write to:

Rainbow Ripples
Leeds Involvement Project
Ground Floor
Unit 8 Gemini Park
Sheepscar Way
Leeds
LS7 3JB

Phone: 0113 237 4508

Fax: 0113 237 4509

Minicom: 0113 237 4512

Funded by Comic Relief, Awards for All and Leeds City Council (Social Services Special Grant).
Site designed by Doug Paulley

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