Frequently Asked Questions
  1. What is Gay Doctors Ireland?
    Gay Doctors Ireland is an educational, professional and social support network for LGBT doctors and medical students—the first of its kind in Ireland. It was informally established in February 2010 and the first AGM was held on 8th May 2010. Our constitution is available on this website.

  2. What does LGBT mean?
    LGBT stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender.

  3. Why are you called Gay Doctors Ireland?
    Inclusiveness is central to equality and we are fully committed to serving all of the LGBT community. From our first meeting we paid particular attention to what we would be called, aware that we wanted to reach out to the entire LGBT spectrum.  At our AGM, it was unanimously agreed that the word gay has become synonymous with LGBT.

  4. Why do LGBT doctors need their own organisation? Gay Doctors Ireland was set up to provide support and information for our members, and to help combat discrimination against doctors and patients.  Like many minorities, gay people face specific challenges such as homophobia and bullying in the workplace.

  5. Are all LGBT individuals banned from donating blood?
    Men who have sex with men (MSM) are banned for life from donating blood products in Ireland.  This is enforced regardless of age, HIV status, number of sexual partners, etc.  In effect, the ban is based on sexuality rather than risk profile.

  6. Are there restrictions on LGBT people donating organs?
    We have discussed this with a senior transplant surgeon. Without exception, the same criteria apply to heterosexual and LGBT organ donors.

  7. Are LGBT doctors protected from discrimination by Irish employment law?
    Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is outlawed by the Employment Equality Act (1998) and the Equal Status Act (2000); however, this legislation exempts medical institutions, educational institutions, and religious organisations on matters of employment. If such an organisation wishes to protect their religious ethos then it is not illegal to fire or refuse to hire doctors simply because they are gay.