I’d like to wish a Happy Pride to one and all – to those who are members of the LGBT+ community and to those who are allies of the LGBT+ community, of which I am proud to be one. Celebrating Pride has been particularly unusual for the past couple of years, for obvious reasons. I’m conscious that the pandemic-related isolation we all felt was particularly difficult for the LGBT+ community and as we thankfully now find ourselves emerged from all public health restrictions I’m even more mindful of where they might find themselves in terms of their mental health. With this in mind, I feel it’s important to highlight the various LGBT+ supports that are available nationally but also locally in Carlow-Kilkenny. General LGBT+ supports available nationally and locally.
LGBT Ireland offers a comprehensive range of services that provide support and information on issues relating to sexuality and gender identity. Their service is available 7 days a week. Phone: 1890 929 539. Website: LGBT.ie
The Switchboard provides a confidential telephone support service to the LGBT+ community and its allies. Open 7 days a week. Phone: 01 872 1055. Email: ask@theswitchboard.ie. Website: TheSwitchboard.ie
Bi Ireland aims to create a space where Bi+ people can make friends, access peer support, and reduce any isolation they may experience. They aim to increase the visibility and presence of bi+ people in Ireland and to create diverse, vibrant, and welcoming communities. Email: biirelandnetwork@gmail.com. Website: www.BiIreland.com
Carlow LGBT+ Network is a social network for LGBT+ people in County Carlow. Email: carlowlgbtnetwork@gmail.com. Website: www.facebook.com/LGBTWorkCarlow/ Youth-related LGBT+ supports available nationally and locally
BeLonG To Youth Services – a national organisation for LGBT+ young people aged between 14 and 23. Phone: 01 670 6223. Email: belongto.org. Website: www.belongto.org
My Unique Individuality – an exciting LGBT+ Youth Group at Carlow Regional Youth Services. Phone: 085 272 2379 or 059 913 3714. Facebook: MUI LGBT Group - CRYS.
Open Door Youth Group – a gay-straight youth alliance from Ossory Youth. The group is open to all gay or straight young people between the ages of 12 and 18 who would like to participate in a fun and exciting LGBT+ friendly environment. Phone: 056 7761200. Email: pbookle@ossoryyouth.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/open.door.965. TRANS-related LGBT+ supports available nationally and locally
TENI – Transgender Equality Network Ireland – a non-profit organisation supporting the Transgender community in Ireland in all its variety. Phone: 01 873 3575. Website: TENI.ie. Facebook: TENI - Transgender Equality Network Ireland.
Ireland Trans Support Alliance - ITSA exists to support Trans people in Ireland who are either between 18 and 30 or a student in Third Level education. ITSA is an organisation of peers working together to support and educate each other. Email: committee@TransStudentsAlliance.ie. Website: TransStudentsAlliance.ie
Translife Kilkenny is a support group for Trans, Non-Binary, and Gender Fluid adults. Phone: 086 452 7856. Specific LGBT+ supports available nationally
Greenbow Deaf LGBT Ireland is an organisation run for the benefit of Deaf LGBT+ adults all over Ireland. Phone: 01 874 9148. Email: greenbowlgbt@yahoo.ie
Full Spectrum Ireland is a peer-led group for LGBT+ community members with disabilities. Email: FullSpectrumIreland@gmail.com
LGBT Pavee is run by members of the Travelling and Roma community for its members who are struggling to come to terms with their sexuality, looking for information on the location of support groups, or seeking general help and advice on sexual health or how to deal and report homophobic bullying or behaviour. Website: lgbtpavee.yolasite.com
Health and Wellbeing LGBT+ supports available nationally
HUGG – LGBT+ Suicide Bereavement Support Group provides a confidential, safe, comfortable space where you can start a journey of hope and healing for any adult who has been bereaved by suicide. Email: info@hugg.ie. Website: HUGG.ie
HIV Ireland's mission is to advocate for individuals living with HIV, prevent new HIV infections, and combat HIV-related stigma and discrimination. Their vision is to contribute towards a significant reduction in the incidence and prevalence of HIV in Ireland and towards the realisation of an AIDS-free generation. Phone: 01 873 3799. Email: info@hivireland.ie. Website: HIVIreland.ie
Also, keep an eye out for the exciting Carlow Pride Festival and Pride Parade, which will take place on July 10th. And visit ButlerGallery.ie for details on their intriguing Pride Talk Series, which starts on June 22nd. Well done to everyone involved in these endeavours who are ensuring that allies and members of the LBGT+ community remain connected.
Happy Pride!