In the wake of the successful result in the marriage referendum, it could be assumed Ireland has become a more welcoming place for its LGBT+ citizens. However, last year the findings of the LGBT+ Youth Strategy revealed that half of the young people surveyed identified ongoing discrimination, with one in five identifying bullying and harassment.
With so much support still needed, not just for our younger members, but across the community as a whole, and since the closure of GLEN, one of the country’s key advocacy organisations, last year, LGBT Ireland has formed to answer that call. Previously known as the LGBT Helpline, the organisation has expanded its remit to now provide training and advocacy support. CEO Paula Fagan describes it as “a national organisation set up to improve the visibility, inclusion and rights of LGBT people and their family members living in Ireland.”
LGBT Ireland’s plans to achieve this include partnering with key agencies to develop and deliver quality-assured training for those who work in support services for the community. In its advocacy role, the organisation aims to ensure LGBT+ people are heard and listened to at every level, in policy and practical levels, at national and regional levels, and with an emphasis of advocating on the needs of rural LGBT+ people. A key role will be to develop community-based supports regionally.