Six Strands

The Six Strands of Equality

We usually talk about the Six Strands of Equality, but sometimes you will hear about the Seven Strands. When we refer to "strands” it is not about putting people into boxes - the law has meant that we need to look at equality in terms of certain headings.

Age
Disability
Ethnicity
Gender
Religion/belief
Sexual orientation

Where people refer to Seven Strands they are putting 'gender identity' (transgender people) as a distinct category: (category 7 Gender Identity). All strands can be referred to as ‘Equalities Communities’ because a sense of identity and shared experience of discrimination is part of what they have in common.

Who makes up the Equalities Communities?

Age – young people/older people

Why are age based groups (and the people they support) considered an Equalities Community?

	People could feel ignored or treated differently because of their age.
	It may be harder to find a job if someone is older.
	Young people may not feel they have a voice.

Age discrimination can affect anyone, old or young, and can happen in many situations, including service provision and employment.

Disability: Disabled People, including people with: learning difficulties; experiencing mental and emotional distress; long term/ limiting illnesses e.g. cancer or HIV / Aids.

Why are disabled groups (and the people they support) considered an equalities community?

	A person may have experienced bullying, harassment or discrimination because of their disability or impairment.
	A person may feel ignored or treated differently because of their disability or impairment.
	People with disabilities are more likely to have no qualifications than people who do not have a disability, and are more likely to be out of work and claiming benefits than people without a disability.

All people want to be involved fully and equally in society without suffering discrimination.

Ethnicity: Race / Black Minority Ethnic (BME) including: Irish people, Gypsies, Romanies, Refugees, Asylum Seekers, Travellers (including Irish Travellers)

Why are BME groups (and the people they support) considered an equalities community?

	A person may have experienced bullying, harassment or discrimination because of their ethnic background or skin colour.
	A person may have been denied access to employment or services.
	Language or lifestyle may be a barrier to accessing services.
	The quality of life of some people in the community can be undermined if they experience discrimination (which can be intentional or unintentional.)

Racial discrimination can impact on different communities in different ways.

Gender: Women, Men, Transgender people

Why are gender groups (and the people they support) considered to be an equalities community?

	People may have experienced barriers to services or employment because of their gender.
	People may have been unable to access using a service because of lack of childcare facilities.

A frequent misunderstanding about gender equality is that it is only about women's rights – in fact gender equality is about equality for men, women and transgender men and women. Gender issues are those matters directly linked to a person’s sex.

Religion or Belief: All Faith Groups - including those with no faith/belief

Why are faith / belief groups (and the people they support) considered an equalities community?

	Religious discrimination is a serious problem as it contributes to social exclusion / marginalisation of groups and individuals.
	Traditionally Christianity has been viewed as this country’s main religion. But now Britain is increasingly a multi-faith society. Recent world events have caused religious tensions and led to protection of religious belief.
	Observance of different cultures and religious beliefs are personal issues and it is important to realise that people also have a right not to have any particular belief - this right is protected in religion and belief legislation.
	Different faith/ belief communities have different customs, behaviours and traditions. Voluntary Sector /Third Sector organisations need to have a basic understanding of a person’s needs as affected by their religion eg: diet (including fasting); physical contact; clothing; medical treatment; language; daily acts of faith/ annual events; customs around death / dying; personal names. Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations need to be aware of these issues as they can affect things like time off, provision of facilities in buildings and clothing policies - ignorance or no deliberate intention to discriminate is not an excuse in preventing someone from practicing important elements of the their religion.

Sexual Orientation: LGBT - Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual, Transgender people

Why are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender groups (and the people they support) considered an equalities community?

	A person could have experienced that being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender proved a barrier to accessing services.
	A person could have experienced bullying, discrimination or harassment as a result of being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.
	A person may feel socially isolated whether or not they are open about their sexuality.
	In recent years homosexuality, bisexuality and transgender people / issues have been more openly portrayed in the media. As they become more visible in this way society is becoming more positive about LGBT people. However, it is important to recognise that LGBT people still face discrimination and harassment in their local communities and at work/school.