ADDRESSING VULNERABILITIES OF LGBT PERSONS IN DETENTION LGBT persons the least comfortable cells or assigning them the most menial tasks. However, the discrimination may take a less visible form: prison officers may, for instance, become complicit by closing their eyes to the abuse and mistreatment of LGBT persons or by trivialising acts of violence against them. “It is well known that the penitentiary system in the State of Pernambuco is completely patriarchal, sexist and intolerant. The State of Pernambuco is one of the most violent States in Brazil [and], as a consequence, LGBT minorities are completely exposed to violations and non-respect of the rights guaranteed to all other detainees, for instance by refusing [them] intimate visits or clothing corresponding to their gender identity, or their sexual orientation.” Maria Clara De Sena, member of the mechanism for the prevention of torture in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil One way to make an impact, however modest, on discriminatory institutional culture may be to conduct sensitisation campaigns on the issue of sexual minorities amongst detention facility staff. Several participants expressed the view that raising staff awareness on the concepts of gender identity and sexual orientation and on the specific protection and health care needs of the LGBT population would indeed represent a strategic approach to the issue and a potential means of breaking associated taboos. Participants also agreed that, wherever possible, NPMs should work with LGBT groups established by detention facility staff and/or unions. United Kingdom: The presence of LGBT support groups in prisons LGBT persons deprived of their liberty in the UK can contact support groups to discuss the challenges they face. These local associations respond to requests from detainees to meet in their places of detention. 17