Sexual Diversity and Gender Issues Special Interest Group

This paper provides an overview of the Sexual Diversity and Gender Issues Special Interest Group (SDGISIG) of the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). The Special Interest Group (SIG) was founded in 2007, following decades of social change that included decriminalisation of homosexuality, equality legislation, secularisation and increasing diversity in the Irish society. This article describes the founding of the SIG and critically evaluates its contributions in research, education, training and policy. It sets this in the context of developments in the field of psychology in Ireland and internationally. Currently, there is a considerable amount of research highlighting the stresses experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people and on the basis of gender, especially related to the current economic policies of austerity. Thus, the relevance of the SIG – and of related groups in the PSI such as the Working Group on Equality and Inclusive Practice and the Cultural and Ethnic Diversit...