Yesterday GLEN and BeLonG To Youth Service launch a new online resource lgbtmentalhealth.ie to promote positive mental health among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, and among young LGBT people in particular.

To launch the resource, 3 innovative short animations are being released to promotethe site and to highlight particular actions LGBT people can take that support their positive mental health. The first animation is launched today

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_UwCdA_yk8

Significant risks

Odhrán Allen, Director of Mental Health at GLEN said:

Irish LGBT people continue to face significant risks to their mental health as a result of difficult experiences such as homophobic bullying in schools, harassment in their daily lives and challenges coming out

The online resource launched today,lgbtmentalhealth.ie, directly targets LGBT people with information on how to look after their mentalhealth and highlights the services available if they feel they need additional support

Irish research shows that many LGBT people, and young LGBT people in particular, are vulnerable to a range of mental health issues.

LGBT people are more likely to suffer stress than our straight counterparts

David Carroll, Director of Services with BeLonG to Youth Service added:

While it is encouraging to see LGBT youth groups opening all over the country, especially as we know these have valuable impact in terms of the peer support and resilience building, it is important to remember that not every young person is in the position to access these vital supports

By making this resource available online, we are confident that the information will reach many young people who are unable to attend an LGBT youth group

Young people

The website signposts the most relevant supports and services across the country for LGBT people and is particularly accessible to young people to help them reach the support they may need.

The 3 short animations focus on key messages shown to promote positivemental health:

• Stress can affect how you’re feeling
• We all need support and
• Telling someone will help

This new resource has been funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP). Gerry Raleigh, Director of NOSP:

This website will provide an easy to use directory of services, accessible to all, which will point them in the direction of the most appropriate services and supports available to help them overcome mental health difficulties they may be experiencing.

The first of the 30-second animations was launched yesterday at 3.30pm, with the other two following in the coming days. Each will be promoted through a variety of online websites and social media platforms targeting the LGBT community.

Talk about it

Suicide

The online resources and the animations launched today are one of a number of actions BeLonG To Youth Service and GLEN are taking to promote LGBT mental health and to prevent LGBT suicide.

Mr Raleigh also said:

Our on-going work with GLEN & BeLonG To continues to offer an example of how such partnerships can be effective in developing and disseminating tailored mental health information & resources to groups who often experience specific marginalisation, such as the LGBT community.

The online resource is being launched to coincide with See Change’s Green Ribbon month that aims to get Irish people talking about mentalhealth.

1.    www.lgbtmentalhealth.ie is a joint initiative between BeLonG To Youth Service and GLEN and is funded by the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention

2.    Irish research shows that stresses experienced by LGBT people, referred to as minority stress, have a negative impact on the mentalhealth and wellbeing of LGBT people. The research also showed that when they have support and are accepted in their families, schools, communities and places of work they overcome these problems. The research, Supporting LGBT Lives (Mayock et al. 2009) found that:

·         86% of LGBT people indicated that they had felt down or depressed at some point in their lifetime.

·         27% of LGBT people had self-harmed and 85% did so more than once.

·         18% had attempted suicide and 85% saw their first attempt as related in some way to their LGBT identity.

·         Over a third of those under 25 had though seriously about taking their lives within the past year.

Related posts:

1. Report on Dublin Trans Health forum
2. BeLonG To Blueprint for Protecting LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees
3. TENI News: Trans Health Forum

More details on the belongto site

Related posts:

1. Stand Up! From March 11th – 15th
2. Come join Marriage Equality at One Family’s annual Family Day Picnic
3. Stand up to hate speech

Government Ministers Join Forces With GAA Sports Star Donal Óg Cusack to Stand Up Against Homophobic & Transphobic Bullying

Yesterday, Wednesday, March 6th, Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald TD and Cork GAA sports star, Donald Óg Cusack joined forces to Stand Up against homophobic and transphobic bullying in Ireland. The 4th annual Stand Up! Awareness Week is organised by BeLonG To, Ireland’s national organisation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people. For the week of March 4th – 11th, BeLonG To have provided vital educational materials to all post primary schools and youth services in the country, as well as organising training events for teachers and youth workers in how to support LGBT young people and tackle bullying.

Key Recommendations in the Action Plan on Bullying

This year The Department of Education and Skills is supporting and resourcing Stand Up! as one of the key recommendations in the Action Plan on Bullying released by Minister Ruairí Quinn TD last January. As part of the week long initiative, more than 1,800 secondary schools and youth organisations throughout Ireland were issued with Stand Up! Packs, which included background information on homophobic and transphobic bullying for teachers and youth workers, educational DVDs, a discussion guide, lesson plans, posters and other promotional material. Events are taking place to promote the initiative in youth centres around the country.

4th annual Stand Up! campaign

Michael Barron, Director of BeLonG To and Person of the Year Award winner at the 2013 Gay and Lesbian Awards (GALAS), said:

“Homophobic and transphobic bullying are some of the most common forms of harassment experienced by young people and they can have a seriously devastating impact on their lives. Today it can be tough for young people to escape discrimination as they are exposed to it in school, in their community and online. It is vitally important that young people, their families and friends know that we are here for them and they can contact us if they have concerns. It is also important to note that as a country we really are starting to stand up to homophobic and transphobic bullying. This can be seen through the huge grassroots support for the 4th annual Stand Up! campaign from schools and communities throughout Ireland, and the political and policy support of both the Minister for Education and Skills and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. By standing up together we really are making a difference in the lives of so many young people.”

Speaking at yesterday’s launch, Minister Quinn said:

“I am committed to eliminating homophobic and transphobic bullying in our schools. This is why supporting and resourcing BeLonG To’s Stand Up! Awareness Week is a key element of the Department’s Action Plan on Bullying. We know that prejudices, such as homophobia, are an underlying cause of much of the bullying experienced by students and so this campaign is helping to make the lives and school experience of many young people better. Stand Up! is particularly aimed at supporting LGBT students who, research shows, experience disproportionate levels of bullying. No young person should be allowed to suffer or to have their education suffer simply because of prejudice towards who they are. I look forward to continuing to work in partnership with BeLonG To to make schools safer places for LGBT students. Together we can assign homophobic and transphobic bullying to the history books.”

GAA icon and Stand Up! Ambassador, Donal Óg Cusack, commented:

“Whether it is on the field of play or in our nation’s schools, nobody should be subjected to discrimination or cruel treatment of any kind. LGBT young people throughout the country deserve the right to be treated with the same common decency and respect as anybody else. I am delighted that BeLonG To once again invited me to be an Ambassador for this vital initiative. We owe it to the LGBT young people of this country to stand shoulder to shoulder in proclaiming that bullying is totally immoral and unacceptable.”

For more information on the Stand Up! Awareness Week on Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying which runs from March 11th – 15th March 2013 visit www.belongto.org. Join the conversation @BeLonG_To. Stand Up! is directly funded by the Department of Education and Skills for the first time in 2013.

Homophobic and transphobic bullying is one of the most common form of harassment experienced by young people. A study funded by the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention found that 50% of LGBT people under 25 have seriously thought about ending their life; 20% of LGBT people under 25 have attempted suicide at least once; and 27% have self-harmed at least once. LGBT people were found to be at risk, not because they are LGBT, but because of homophobia and discrimination they face. *

*Trinity study, funded by the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention: Paula Maycock et al (2009) Supporting LGBT Lives, A Study of the Mental Health and Well-being of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender People.

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2. BeLonG To Blueprint for Protecting LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees
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Yesterday, Monday 10th of December, BeLonG To Youth Services launched a new report on working with LGBT asylum seekers and refugees to coincide with International Human Rights Day. The report, entitled Key Principles for Working with LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees, is the first of its kind in Ireland and is designed to provide a best practice blueprint for service providers on working with and ensuring the protection of at risk LGBT asylum seekers and refugees.

Helping those isolated
Since its inception in 2003, BeLonG To has provided support and services to young LGBT asylum seekers and refugees, many of whom face isolation and marginalisation on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. In response to growing concerns regarding the wellbeing of these young people, BeLonG To established a project to increase the safety and quality of life of LGBT asylum seekers and refugees. The expertly researched in-depth study has been compiled over the course of the initiative since April 2011, focusing exclusively on LGBT asylum seekers and refugees under 30 years of age.

Challenges and difficulties

The report details the challenges facing LGBT asylum seekers and refugees in Ireland, including lack of safety while living in direct provision accommodation; insufficient awareness of issues affecting LGBT asylum seekers and refugees amongst professionals working on migrant issues; lack of early legal advice and trauma.

Speaking at yesterday’s launch, BeLonG To Executive Director, Michael Barron said:

“Young LGBT asylum seekers and refugees in Ireland are often at great risk due to the trauma they have experienced in their country of origin being compounded by experiences of both homophobic/transphobia and racism here in this country. Traditionally in Ireland there has been a failure to adequately address the situation of LGBT asylum seekers and refugees, which has resulted in vulnerable young people being forced to survive in unsafe environments. The asylum process can be extraordinarily difficult for LGBT people, and of course Ireland has one of the lowest overall acceptance rates of asylum seekers in the EU, with approximately 95% of applicants being refused refugee status.”

He continued:

“Today’s report is designed to provide best practice information for organisations and government bodies who work with asylum seeks and refugees to increase their ability to support these LGBT young people. Article 14 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights states that everyone has the right to enjoy asylum from persecution. In Ireland we have made some good strides in recent years in the protection and advancement of LGBT people’s rights. There is no more urgent a rights issue than the protection and fair treatment of LGBT asylum seekers and refugees.”

 

The truth

Speaking about their experiences, a young gay refugee from Southern Africa said: “This is the truth: I don’t think I’d be here right now if it wasn’t for BeLonG To. I really wanted to kill myself, I just really wanted to die and get away from this. But then after talking to people from this service, encouraging me and constantly telling me that everything would be ok, and still giving me room to express myself all the time… They have helped me a lot, I have grown, and I have learned how to accept myself.” (Speaker is unnamed to protect their identity).

‘Seeking Sanctuary’

Yesterday also saw the launch of BeLonG To’s information video, ‘Seeking Sanctuary’, which tells the story of LGBT asylum seekers and refugees in Ireland. In this powerful and moving video a number of young people who have been supported by BeLonG To talk about the situation in their country of origin and their experience of the asylum process here in Ireland. Watch ‘Seeking Sanctuary’ here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxoU8wRLaQI

Who are BelonG To

BeLonG To is Ireland’s national organisation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Young People. For the past 10 years it has supported LGBT young people all over Ireland through a network of LGBT youth groups and has delivered education and awareness programmes to schools through teacher training and campaigns such as Stand Up! Don’t Stand for Homophobic Bullying. BeLonG To is funded by the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention, the Department for Children and Youth Affairs, the One Foundation and the North Inner City Drug’s Task Force. If you are affected by any of the issues discussed contact belongto.org.

This project is co-financed by the European Commission under the European Refugee Fund and is supported by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration in the Department of Justice and Equality, Pobal and the HSE.

Key Principles for Working with LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees: Executive Summary

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Our writer’s new, she’s the Irish K-Stew, and she has this for you!

My very public coming out came in the form of a sparkly tiara and a sash that read Ms Gay Limerick.

I had come out as bisexual a year previously but now I was out: pictures-in-the-paper-even-my-nana-knows out. It also didn’t help that my extended family was seriously confused by the fact that I was neither straight (as they had always thought) nor gay (as I insisted I wasn’t, but the local media maintained I was). That, however, is a story for another post..!

At the end of the day, it was a relatively lovely outing. It was done with my permission, I was being commended by the local scene; there were a few awkward moments, but my family had reacted well – and there were diamantes involved! What more could a girl ask for?

Image: knitschtick.com

Unfortunately not all forays into the queer community are as bejeweled and appreciated. There is still the unfair thrusting of individuals into the limelight when they were just getting comfortable with poking a toe out of the closet. Things happen. And when they do, sometimes it seems the only option left is to wrap yourself up warm in your Spice Girls duvet, inhale the Ben and Jerry’s, and pray for the world to forget about you.

If you want to take the more practical option to dealing with this upheaval, here are my steps for survival.

Step 1: Be honest. Fact check. And own it.

People know you’re queer now. Whether you like it or not, if you’ve been publicly outed, you’re past the point of no return. Go to your parents/grandparents/friends, sit down with a cup of tea and explain the whole mess. Tell them the truth. Maybe they had suspected your love for the ladies for a while now. Maybe they’ll faint in shock.

I also found it really important to get my facts right in the beginning. As a bisexual woman, I was met with a lot of curious and unpleasant (for me) questions. “Are you fully gay so?” “But I thought you had a boyfriend…”. And “Are you just lying to yourself?” rank among my favourites.

You may be asked about your potential confusion, your certainty about your sexual orientation and weird inquiries into your sexual activity. Clarify as well as you can: I am sure I’m not straight; I’m not changing who I am anytime soon; and please don’t ask about my sex life, mom.

Own it. You’re out. You might as well be proud.

Step 2: Accept that not everyone will react well to this. And embrace those who offer their support.

Ignoring the not-so-nice stares I got while manning the stand for my college’s LGBTQ society, I have only met with one adverse reaction regarding my sexuality. Sadly, it came from one of my best friends, which made it much harder to deal with than hateful comments from strangers.

He reacted badly so I reacted in kind. This person who claimed to love me unconditionally was calling me greedy and a liar, was telling me how to think about the nuances of sexuality, was generally just being a dick; but I was in such a state of shock that he was voicing all these nasty opinions that I almost started to believe them. I yelled, he yelled, I cried. We don’t talk as much these days.

You may be surprised by who turns against you when you open that closet door. And the only way to survive these emotionally challenging and draining situations is to utilise the supports around you.

I leaned heavily on my mother during this; I have friends who aren’t so lucky. If you fall into this category, don’t be afraid to seek help from the supports that are there for you. If you’re in Limerick like me, My Diversity in the Red Ribbon Project will lend a hand. BeLonG To is the resource for Dubliners, and has a convenient list of all the support groups in the country.

Just because the road is rough doesn’t mean you have to trek it alone.

Step 3: Don’t binge away your troubles. Be constructive instead.

I have the utmost respect and envy for the people in this world who deal with their problems without a self piteous binge. Particularly with a public outing, you may garner more attention than usual. This can be both a blessing and curse, depending on whether you prefer to throw on your biker boots and raise the profile of LGBT equality, or pop on your cloak of invisibility and run away.

In either case, whether you smoke, drink, overeat or do something altogether more damaging when you’re down, this is not the time to go overboard. No matter how stressful life may get at this time, treat your body well and don’t add lethargy, a severe hangover and other people’s judgement into the mix of how crappy your day might seem.

Do things that make you feel amazing. Get active in the LGBT community, meet new people, take a political stance. If you want to stay away from the scene completely, take a trip, spend some time with your friends, get a massage, watch re-runs of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Just think of this as another interesting anecdote you can add to your autobiography.

The hard part’s over. You’re out. Time to join the party!

Related posts:

1. On being a bisexual with a boyfriend
2. Coming out to the team
3. Coming out

Here’s the first article from another of our fantastic new writers, Charley:

Over the years there have been some fairly radical proposals made in reference to homosexuality; what “causes” it and what “cures” it, often being main talking points. As the world has progressed into a more enlightened place, many people who once searched for the answers to these mysteries have realised that they’re searching for things that don’t exist.

It would seem, however, that there are still some who are fighting towards a “cure” for what the Deputy Education Minister of Malaysia refers to as an “unhealthy lifestyle”.

The Malaysian Teachers Foundation is in fact so committed to stopping the spread of this “lifestyle” that they are now running seminars that promise to help people identify gay children. They have outlined some basic ideas that parents and teachers alike should be looking for within their children and students:

For gay males:

• Having a muscular body that they enjoy showing off by wearing v-neck/sleeveless tops
• A preference for light-coloured and/or tight clothing
• They express a liking for big handbags, similar to those used by women

And the ultimate give-away for any gay man…

• They express a sexual preference/attraction to men

For lesbians:

• Female friends aside, they will distance themselves from other women
• They are comfortable hanging out, having meals and sleeping in the company of other women
• They have no affection for men and are attracted to women (wow, these people have really done their homework…)

Apparently if these signs are noticed early enough, it will help to eradicate the problem; a problem which is apparently being exacerbated by the presence of LGBT blogs and websites that are easily available to students.

It seems that the key proposal to getting rid of this so-called problem is to get rid of the cause of it; unfortunately the closed-mindedness that has been used to create this programme is doing nothing more than singling out those who are unfortunate enough to exhibit the registered “signs”, whether they are gay or not.

President of the Malaysian Civil Liberties Movement (MCLM), Sharifuddin Abdul Latiff, is said to be “appalled” by this movement; he explained:

The mental and emotional damage it will certainly cause to our children is incalculable.

This idea was followed by the proposal that these methods will simply bring the alienation and terrorisation of people who do not conform; an idea that was supported further by gay activist Pang Khee Teik who claimed the Education Ministry is “only interested in teaching hate, promoting inequality and playing politics”.

In a statement on Saturday, the Malaysian government sought to distance itself from the seminars, but added:

Nonetheless, the ministry views cases of social ills in the community seriously and will give guidance directly and indirectly to all schoolchildren to ensure they stay away from unhealthy activities.

Unfortunately this isn’t the first extreme action that’s been taken by Malaysia to eradicate homosexuality.

Several human rights groups within the last year have been disgusted to discover that a significant number of boys between the ages of 12 and 17 were rounded up by their teachers, who suspected them of being homosexual, and sent to a gay “cure” camp that exists on the northeast coast of the country.

Further investigations and reports have suggested that this may not be the only camp of its kind in the country, with many speculating that there are other “cure” camps available.

It might seem alien, extreme and offensive to most of the people reading this article; although with a Deputy Prime Minister that describes homosexuality as a “sexual orientation disorder”, before calling for a “homosexual rehabilitation centre” to help stop the “rampant” spread of this sexuality, it becomes less surprising that these seminars have been allowed to take place.

However we can’t possibly offload all the blame to a few individuals, particularly when we take into account the staggering 1, 500 people who turned up to the most recent seminar in order to pin-point these alleged “signs” and single out certain children who may or may not be homosexual.

Admittedly Malaysia has a long distance to travel in terms of homosexuality and public acceptance, and it is certainly a far cry from Ireland’s home-grown BeLong To which has been praised as a perfect model of how to deal with homophobic bullying.

Malaysia, which still considers homosexuality to be an illegal behaviour, issues punishments ranging from fines all the way through to 20 years imprisonment.

Needless to say, these seminars are just one thing in a list of many that raises obvious issues and flaws with this homophobic government.

Related posts:

1. BREAKING: Minister Shatter makes commitment to children of same-sex couples
2. Children as punishment?
3. Being gay is bad for your health, apparently

Good morning, proud people! Tis the season, and we’re all praying to the weather godess, Jean Byrne, that the rain stays away this Saturday. For that is when the Ireland’s first Pride parade of the year kicks off in Dublin! Have you all got your best outfits prepped? Have you accessorised your pets? Do you have a reliable rainbow umbrella to hand? Have you ironed your pride flag?

It’s all so exciting!

So, today’s Suppa is a seasonal affair. To find out what’s happening for Dublin and nationwide Pride, take a peek at our what’s on calendar – it’s heaving! Dublin Pride’s programme can be downloaded from the official website, and copies are available from select bars and cafes around the city centre.

So what’s been happening?

Send us your Pride Pics!

We’re asking readers to send in your photos of Pride flags between now and September when the final Pride takes place in Ireland.

These can be actual flags, or cars/people/jelly babies/accessories/pets (within reason) – or whatever Pride-themed, rainbow coloured objects that you spy. The more the merrier. (And if you can snap them near a local landmark, all the better!)

So get them to us by email, twitter, or via facebook – whichever is easiest!

So far, the Pride Pics have included: An adorable pooch in a rainbow doggy cover at the inaugural Dublin Pride Run; A Dublin Bus shelter on Parkgate Street getting into the Pride spirit; A proudly yarn-bombed Galway Hooker statue; and a lovely image of a CRT computer monitor vomiting a rainbow. It seemed apt.

And there are more to come!

Fair City’s Laura & Emily

You may have been reading the recaps of last week’s episodes of that Irish institution, Fair City.

Yes! That’s right! Fair City have a sapphic storyline (and not for the first time).

It seems the lesbians will be not quite so hot ‘n’ bothered this week (thanks a bunch, scriptwriters), but watch this space for updates! Will there be more rattling off queer film titles? Casually including lesbian lingo while flirting at the Carrigstown’s local? Sure, who’s to say?!

Irish athletes at Eurogames 2012

The annual Eurogames sporting bonanza takes place this year in Budapest, Hungary.

Among the Irish representatives heading over to the event which kicks off today are the Phoenix Tigers footballers.

The Phoenix Tigers were established in June 2004 by a group of gay women to promote playing soccer among the lesbian and female bisexual community of Dublin and the surrounding areas. It’s queer women, getting fit, meeting new people and having lots of fun!

We hope to catch up with the Tigers when they return to Dublin, to find out about how they got on – so stay tuned!

Ireland’s first out mayor is elected

Also just in time for Pride, Ireland’s first out mayor has been elected to office.

Fingal County Council elected Labour councillor, Cian O’Callaghan, as Cathaoirleach of the local authority on Friday last.

O’Callaghan first became a councillor at Fingal County Council in 2009. He joins the likes of Senators David Norris and Katherine Zappone, and TDs Dominic Hannigan, John Lyons and Jerry Buttimer – who are among Ireland’s out LGBT politicians.

Louise Hannon of the Labour LGBT group said:

We are delighted to be celebrating and marking Dublin’s pride festival with this important milestone.

She continued:

Labour LGBT has strongly supported the election of openly gay elected representatives. Today’s vote is a step forward for the LGBT community.

She added that O’Callaghan is a “talented young politician with a long record of progressive activism on many issues”.

Good man, Cian!

Belong To at New York Pride

Michael Barron and Belong To crew were at the Irish Consulate in New York last weekend.

With the Consul General Noel Kilkenny in the audience, along with Dominic Hannigan TD, Michael spoke at the BeLonG To’s New York Pride event at the weekend, before joining the Craicfest at the Irish Arts Center where they showed BeLonG To short films.

If all that wasn’t enough, on Sunday, they headed out to join the New York Pride march in Manhattan.

You can get extra jealous by checking out oodles of photos of the Belong To crew on their facebook page.

New Arsenal signing appears on cover of gay magazine

A strapping young chappy by the name of Olivier Giroud promises to be a new addition to Arsenal football club – and he has appeared on the cover of a gay magazine.

(Sorry, fella fanciers: he’s straight.)

The popular Arseblog brings us the news that The Mirror ran a story at the weekend about how Giroud posed for the cover of a Tetu magazine in France.

The footballer told Tetu:

I would be delighted if my ­gesture can help change the mentality of some people ­involved in football.

Arseblog also pointed out that The Mirror had changed its online edition overnight: the story originally suggested that there could be “trouble on the terraces” and that Giroud could be a target for opposition fans because of it.

The Mirror stated:

Olivier Giroud has set himself up as a target for rival fans, by posing provocatively for a gay magzine in France…

Acknowledging the endemic homophobia in football, the blog went on to describe the tabloid’s angle as “sad and utterly pathetic”.

Not only that, but the commenters on The Mirror’s own website were mind-bogglingly enlightened and basically slammed both the original and reviewed versions of the story.

It may not seem like it, but that’s fairly feckin’ radical (for football). Maybe there’s hope for gay footballers yet?

But things aren’t all rosy in the garden – which is why Pride and solidarity at home and abroad are as important as ever.

Not only do we still need to make progress for full equality in Ireland, but the situation is dangerous for many LGBT people around the world:

UK anti-equality campaign

Across the water, conservative forces are amassing against equality.

Some MPs and bishops have aligned as “the Keep Marriage Special campaign” to oppose the UK government’s plans for marriage equality.

According to The Guardian, they have claimed that the argument for gay marriage would also legalise incest and polygamy, claim bishops and MPs

One of the lobby group’s leaflets claimed that the logical argument for reforming the law would be equally applicable to the legalisation of incest and polygamy.

It claims:

If the only basis for marriage is the desire of the parties to get married then there is, according to the logic of this proposal, no reason not to open up marriage to more than just same-sex couples. Polygamy, polyandry and incest would all be permissible.

If that wasn’t bizarre enough, the leaflet adds:

The immigration service is already swamped with false marriages – this would only add to their problems.

Er.. What?? Keep talkin’, crazies. You’re doing wonders for the cause of equality.

Events across Europe

While Pride events take place across Europe, rights organisation, ILGA Europe, has been using its Facebook page to document developments in the region affecting LGBT people.

With a few exceptions, the picture it paints is bleak.

• In Bulgaria, the capital’s Pride organisers have had to ask the church there to stop calling for violence. Activists asked that the Bulgarian Orthodox Church distance itself from recent calls for violence against the parade. Earlier in June, an Orthodox priest said that “stones should be thrown” at the Parade’s participants.

• In Lithuania, a constitutional amendment to redefine the family in terms of marriage and parenthood, and to ban promotion of homosexual relations, was narrowly avoided.

• Last week, a leading gay rights activist in the Ukrainian capital was hospitalised after an assault. Taras Karasiychuk, of the organisation Gay Forum, said that he sustained a concussion and a fractured jaw during the attack by a group of unidentified assailants, who screamed homophobic insults at him. It is the second known serious assault on an LGBT person in Ukraine to have taken place over the past month.

• Worryingly echoing Ireland’s equality laws, a court in Germany has ruled that the German Catholic Church is entitled to fire the head of a kindergarten because she is a lesbian.

• Speaking of Germany, in Greece police had to intervene when a Pride parade in the north of the country came under attack. Police say about 50 people threw eggs and plastic bottles of water at about 400 people holding a gay pride parade in the city of Thessaloniki. No injuries were reported.

Egypt’s statement to the UN

Meanwhile during a discussion about human rights at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva last Thursday, an Egyptian delegation urged the body to focus its efforts on “real people” who need assistance when the issue of the LGBT community arose.

The statement included:

Finally, concerning the highly controversial notion of sexual orientation, we can only reiterate that it is not part of the universally recognized human rights.

It continued:

We call on [the UN] not to undermine the credibility and legitimacy of [its] important work in the eyes of real people who actually need it, especially in regions where such concepts are rejected by both its Christian and Muslim inhabitants like the Middle East.

This isn’t the first time that a UN meeting to discuss human rights has heard such deeply homophobic statements. In March, a group of Islamic and other nations staged a walk-out during a historic meeting to discuss the human rights issues affecting LGBT people around the world, and launch a landmark report.

Still, neither the March walkout or last week’s hateful statement managed to derail proceedings. You can’t stop progress!

Related posts:

1. A Suppa Earl Gae
2. A Suppa Earl Gae
3. Gay Pride vs. Gay Marriage

From Gaelick Contributor Kristine

“So…any plans for tonight?”
I raised my eyes to the reflection of my hairdresser in the rectangular mirror which faced me. Maybe it was the post Pride March ‘out and proud’ feelings that still lingered from the previous afternoon, or the Post Pride celebration fatigue that rendered me incapable of racking my brains for one of my usual answers – some straight club/pub in Temple Bar that I had never set one inch of my Converse inside – but this time I decided to answer her question honestly. “Just a few pints in The George,” I said as casually as I could; now looking with great interest at the copy of NOW magazine which resided on my lap.

“Sounds nice and relaxing,” She replied, her bubbly tone unchanged. “I wouldn’t mind a few beers later myself. Gorgeous out isn’t it?”
And so there we have it. My first direct, in person ‘coming out’ experience to someone who was not within my immediate family or close circle of friends… and nobody died.

That particular milestone took place two years ago, and in hindsight, I don’t know what I was expecting. Perhaps a dirty look or an unconscious impulse on her behalf to pull up her low cut top? I know a ridiculous reaction not to mention a highly unlikely one in this day and age. So why was I expecting the worst? Well, I think it all stems back to the reactions that I received towards my sexuality when I was growing up. Now, before I am hailed as some amazing lesbian who knew exactly who she was at the age of 9 years of age and fought for gay rights in the sandbox, to say I was ‘outed’ rather than that I ‘came out’ of my own volition, sums up my adolescent years more truthfully.

Let’s just say the people who either guessed or whom I confided in about my sexuality didn’t exactly make me feel as if fancying girls was something to be OK with. In fact, that’s an understatement. Through dirty looks or sly comments, which were thrown my way and uttered either in the halls of my secondary school or by teammates of an all girl’s football team (half of whom I have spotted inside The George), I was made to feel ashamed. As if I were a convicted criminal or a deviant sexual predator.

Perhaps to anyone who has not received such negative feedback in regard to who they are, these comparisons may seem slightly dramatic. Yet, these feelings are a common experience that many people are made to feel and have felt upon ‘coming out’ or being ‘outed,’ as a youth. I remember in particular, one occasion where I was watching a DVD in my best friend’s bedroom. A knock came at the door. It was a girl who my best friend was also friends with, whom knew through connections of hers that I was gay or at least suspected of being so (suspected, it even has connotations of the word criminal.) I will never forget her response upon hearing that my best friend at the time had been upstairs watching a film with me. “What’s SHE doing up there?”.

Her suggestion was further fuelled by the fact that she had heard from someone that I fancied my best friend in question (which I did, how many of us haven’t had one of these harmless unrequited crushes?). Needless to say, I didn’t particularly enjoy the remainder of the film.

Now, I know her reaction was in itself ridiculous and extremely homophobic, but on top of that, like most young women who are unsure of their sexuality or frightened of it, the thought of even holding a girls hand had my stomach in knots, so I was far from attempting to jump her or something. Heck, even now, being a lot more comfortable with my sexuality and everything that goes along with it, I wouldn’t jump any friend! That’s just called having respect for other people and their space.

Believe me, I could continue to list a myriad of negative reactions that I received towards my sexuality when I was younger, but my main point in writing this article is to raise the fact that ‘coming out’ as such, never really stops. We almost feel that once we have come out to say our parents or our friends, that that is it. End of. The whole world knows who we truly are and now we never have to go through such an uncertain and scary experience again.

However, as our lives progress, we see that that is not the case. Friends come and go, even perhaps the location of the place we called home changes, and with this the whole ‘coming out’ cycle starts again. An ‘I’m a lesbian’ memo is not forwarded to every person that you will encounter and become acquainted with in the future, and why should it be many will argue. While I agree that someone’s sexuality is their own personal business, can you realistically hide your sexual orientation from even the most fair-weathered friendship with a ‘straight friend’, or even a work colleague in the long run, and why should you?

Now, at 24 years of age, having received great support within the gay community and having made a number of good friends along the way, I feel much more confident when questioned about my sexuality. However, I can’t deny, that right before my initial ‘I’m a gay’ omission, that those past feelings of dread and shame haunt me, albeit to a much lesser degree, and from speaking to other lesbians, I know that I am not the only one who sometimes feels this way.

In fact, when I told a lesbian friend of mine about this article, she too confessed to lying to her hairdresser about the venues of her nights out for the past number of years, while she also confided in me that she had not yet told a new female friend in college, to whom she had become quite close, that she was a lesbian, out of fear that the girl would distance herself from her.

So, while I feel that some people don’t share their sexuality with some ‘straight’ people that they associate with in their life due to their belief that their sexuality is nobody’s business but their own, I feel that despite the LGBT communities mantra of being ‘out and proud’, there are still many gay people who, although are ‘out and proud’ when mixing with other LGBT people, are not as confident in their orientation when spending time with people who are outside of the LGBT community, and therefore decide against divulging their sexual orientation to the aforementioned people (although it is almost seen as treason within the LGBT community to admit such a thing!)

Perhaps for those of us who still feel slightly nauseous right before we utter the words ‘I’m gay’ to a new ‘straight’ friend, thus feeling as if we are almost doing the ‘out and proud’ mentality of the LGBT community a disservice, this is just a form of Post Traumatic Stress rearing its ugly head? After all, wouldn’t it be understandable that those of us who received negative feedback during our adolescence are predisposed to being more secretive regarding our sexual orientation in the here and now? It would go some way towards explaining this fear around ‘coming out’ to new people as our lives progress. After all, in 2012 being a lesbian thankfully is not seen by the majority of people as being a bad thing (and nor should it be), so why are some of us still stuck in the past?

Then again, maybe some gay people choose not to ‘come out’ amongst certain people for fear of their own personal safety? After all, the recent homophobic attack and subsequent tragic death of Canadian gay journalist Raymond Taavel shows that despite the great progression the global LGBT community has made towards tackling homophobia, it still unfortunately exists.

However, with the help of campaigns such as STAND UP, which youth group Belong 2 have set up with the aim of creating a ‘positive understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered young people and their lives’, and the involvement of gay high profile celebrities such as Mark Feehily from the boyband Westlife, in campaigns which help to raise awareness of homophobic bullying, I think we are on the right road towards ensuring that ‘coming out’ is no longer such a daunting prospect, at any stage in our lives.

Coming Out image is owned by motifake.com

Related posts:

1. How to deal with a very public coming out
2. Coming out to the team
3. Coming out

You may remember Belong To.

They’re the organisation which was held up by the UN a couple of months ago as being the model of international best practice when it comes to tackling homophobic bullying. An honour acknowledged again recently by the head of the UNHCR Ireland during the launch of Belong To’s project to support some of the most vulnerable migrants in the country, young LGBT refugees and asylum seekers.

Well, Belong To are back! Yes, it’s that time of year again, when the Stand Up! Awareness Week against Homophobic Bullying takes place country-wide.

The official launch will take place this evening, where Belong To’s brilliant, interactive new Stand Up! ad will also be premiered.

Click through for a preview of the new Stand Up! ad

The Stand Up! Awareness Week is aimed at creating positive understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender young people and their issues. This year’s Stand Up! Week will be held 5th-11th March 2012, and will take place schools and youth services around Ireland.

While many LGBT young people develop their sexual and gender identities within supportive families and communities and are leading happy lives, many other LGBT young people experience serious levels of homophobia, transphobia and exclusion in their schools, youth clubs and local areas.

Homophobic bullying is a grave violation of human rights and a public health crisis

- UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon

Stand Up! Week provides an annual focus for promoting positive awareness of LGBT young people, tackling homophobia and homophobic bullying, and building allies among young people and youth workers.

From my own experiences as an LGBT person and a teacher, there was an awareness of these issues and supports for LGBT students in the schools I attended and worked in. This is not always the case and it can result in students experiencing homophobia, transphobia and exclusion in their schools and local areas.

These years can already be very stressful and difficult for students but this is especially true for young people developing their sexual and gender identities.

- John Lyons, TD

You can also follow events today and throughout the week on twitter, using the #StandUp12 hashtag. If you want to show your support online, you can also grab Belong To’s Facebook cover image which can be used on profiles that use timeline.

• The official launch of the Stand Up! Awareness Week against Homophobic Bullying takes place tonight at 6pm at City Hall in Dublin. The Week will be launched by Minister for Education & Skills, Ruari Quinn, TD. Special guests at the event will be Donal Óg Cusack, Cork’s hurling team captain, and Ben Cohen, MBE. BeLonG To’s new ad, “Stand Up! for your LGBT friends”, will also be premiered at the event.

 

• Belong To: web / fb / twitter / youtube

 

• Stand Up!: web / fb / twitter / youtube

Related posts:

1. Seanad: Statements on Homophobic Bullying
2. Homophobic bullying to be debated in Seanad
3. BeLonG To Blueprint for Protecting LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees

If you or anyone you know would like support and information from the Belong To LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees project, you can contact them by phone (01-670 6223) or by email (john@belongto.org)

This morning BeLonG To Youth Services launched their LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees Project.

BeLonG To created the Project to make life better for young asylum seekers and Refugees who may be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT).

BeLonG To has found that in several cases, young people in the refugee determination process come out after their initial arrival into Ireland, and therefore after their initial claim for asylum has been lodged.

There could be a number of reasons for this.

Think about it: largely, the countries where LGBT people are persecuted are countries where officials are corrupt and/or the police routinely violate the human rights of those they are meant to protect.

It may not be surprising, then, for someone who has lived their lives in that society to be fearful of disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity to officials in Ireland.

Consider, too, the situation of separated children under the age of 18 years. The very fact of their young age may mean they haven’t come out to themselves, let alone disclosed this fact to anyone else.

I know I certainly didn’t seek support until my final year in school, and didn’t disclose to my peers until some time after that.

Significantly, if a person who applies for refugee status is perceived by the determining authority to have “changed their story”, this will almost certainly be viewed as undermining the applicant’s credibility.

A culture of disbelief permeates Ireland’s refugee status determination procedures at every level as it is.

Without proper training for the relevant officials, a person who discloses or comes out after the initial application for refugee status has been made will effectively be regarded as either simply a liar or someone who is introducing new information as a way to “enhance their claim”.

It is important to bear in mind, too, what happens when a separated child turns 18 while they await the outcome of their asylum claim.

A separated child is one who is in Ireland and is been placed in the care of the HSE as soon as they come to the attention of the authorities here. Usually nowadays the child resides with a foster family and has the support of a HSE social worker and/or project worker.

As soon as they turn 18, however, they leave the care of the HSE and are placed in one of the hostels housing adult asylum seekers.

In other words, they leave the constant safety and support of their adult carers. Although they will normally have an “after care plan” with the HSE, these young people are suddenly placed in a new environment where the possibility of hostile attitudes towards LGBT people is very real.

Even if a young LGBT person overcomes the hurdles of disclosure, coming out, establishing their credibility with the authorities, adjusting to their living arrangements – all while trying to carry on as normal an existence as possible, incluing pursuing studies and receiving any possible medical treatment they may need – they still must contend with simple ignorance and failure to correctly apply the law in their cases.

A refugee is someone who is outside of their own country, who fears persecution – in these cases on the grounds of being LGBT, or being perceived as such – and whose own country is unwilling or unable to protect them.

The recent report, Fleeing Homophobia, found that there have been a number of cases involving people who identify as gay which were refused notwithstanding the fact that homosexuality is criminalised in their countries of origins. It also found inconsistencies where some applicants from a particular country – e.g. Kenya – were declared to be refugees whereas others were refused.

The same report found that Ireland often refuses asylum on the basis that if the applicant is “discreet” in his or her country of origin no persecution will arise.

This is despite the fact that a leading ruling regarding LGBT asylum seekers states clearly what approach is required in cases involving LGBT asylum seekers. In short, a person cannot be expected to conceal their sexual or gender identity in order to avoid persecution.

The court stated:

When an applicant applies for asylum on the ground of a well-founded fear of persecution because he is gay, the tribunal must first ask itself whether it is satisfied on the evidence that he is gay, or that he would be treated as gay by potential persecutors in his country of nationality.

If so, the tribunal must then ask itself whether it is satisfied on the available evidence that gay people who lived openly would be liable to persecution in the applicant’s country of nationality.

If so, the tribunal must go on to consider what the individual applicant would do if he were returned to that country.

If the applicant would in fact live openly and thereby be exposed to a real risk of persecution, then he has a well-founded fear of persecution – even if he could avoid the risk by living “discreetly”.

If, on the other hand, the tribunal concludes that the applicant would in fact live discreetly and so avoid persecution, it must go on to ask itself why he would do so.

If the tribunal concludes that the applicant would choose to live discreetly simply because that was how he himself would wish to live, or because of social pressures, e g, not wanting to distress his parents or embarrass his friends, then his application should be rejected. Social pressures of that kind do not amount to persecution and the Convention does not offer protection against them. Such a person has no well-founded fear of persecution because, for reasons that have nothing to do with any fear of persecution, he himself chooses to adopt a way of life which means that he is not in fact liable to be persecuted because he is gay.

If, on the other hand, the tribunal concludes that a material reason for the applicant living discreetly on his return would be a fear of the persecution which would follow if he were to live openly as a gay man, then, other things being equal, his application should be accepted. Such a person has a well-founded fear of persecution. To reject his application on the ground that he could avoid the persecution by living discreetly would be to defeat the very right which the Convention exists to protect – his right to live freely and openly as a gay man without fear of persecution. By admitting him to asylum and allowing him to live freely and openly as a gay man without fear of persecution, the receiving state gives effect to that right by affording the applicant a surrogate for the protection from persecution which his country of nationality should have afforded him.

The Secretary of State should, of course, apply the same approach when considering applications of this type. Although I have, for the most part, concentrated on the position of gay men, the Secretary of State and tribunals should approach applications concerning lesbian women in the same way.

(The man who wrote this seminal judgement, Lord Rodger of Earlsferry, sadly passed away almost exactly one year later, on 26th June 2011, following a brief illness. His same principles were later applied, separately, to a case relating to religious belief.)

The BeLonG To Project aims to develop best practice for inclusion of LGBT asylum seekers and refugees in those statutory and voluntary services which work with either asylum seekers and refugees or LGBT communities, and which have a focus on youth and young adults.

BeLonG To will offer training and capacity building to this end. The organisation will also provide direct support to LGBT asylum seeking and refugee young people aged 14-30 years through its Project Youth Worker, John Duffy.

The Project draws on advice and feedback from key partners in the statutory and NGO sectors. Training Workshops will soon be launched, and in December 2012 there will be a seminar and report published.  The Project will be completed in January 2013.

The LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees Project is co-financed by the European Commission under the European Refugee Fund (ERF) and is supported by the Office for the Promotion of Migrant Integration in the Department of Justice and Equality, by Pobal and by the HSE.

Speakers at this morning’s launch included:

• Sophie Magennis, Head of Office, UNHCR Ireland
• Sue Conlon, CEO, Irish Refugee Council
• Dr. Nazih Eldin, Director, HSE Health Promotion Office, Dublin North East
• Patricia Brazil, Barrister and the Averill Deverill Lecturer in Law at TCD / National Expert for Ireland to the European Fleeing Homophobia Project

If you or anyone you know would like support and information from the Belong To LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees project, you can contact them by phone (01-670 6223) or by email (john@belongto.org)

For any further information, please contact the Project Coordinator, Marissa Ryan.

Related posts:

1. BeLonG To Blueprint for Protecting LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees
2. UP Cork LGBT Youth Group: Next meeting & registration!
3. Going to college: Being an LGBT student today

• Here’s another article from one of our new writers, Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin. Happy New Year!

2011 has been celebrated as a great year for the LGBT community. Of course, as long as severe inequality persists, it’s difficult to wholeheartedly agree that it was a great year. We’ve seen setbacks for marriage equality in Ireland, homosexuality still criminal in 76 countries around the world, lesbians tortured in anti-gay clinics in Ecuador, the LGBT community drastically suppressed in Russia, and gay teenagers everywhere still being tormented by homophobic bullying.

All the same, 2011 has certainly upheld that crucial message; that it gets better. So, grab a cup o’ kindness and we’ll run through some of the achievements of the LGBT movement in 2011.

1. Civil Partnership

Ireland rang in the New Year with the Civil Partnership Act, which came into effect on 1st January 2011, granting considerably enhanced rights to co-habiting partners, including gay couples. On 4th April, Hugh Walsh and Barry Dignam entered into the first publicly celebrated partnership under the Act.

On 5th March, the Taoiseach outlined the government’s intentions for a constitutional convention, including a provision for discussing marriage for same-sex couples. While the parameters of the convention remain unclear, the mention of marriage equality in the Programme for Government shows that gay rights have become something of a legislative priority. As Iarnród Éireann would put it, “We’re not there yet… but we’re getting there”.

2. LGBT Representatives in the Oireachtas

The number of openly gay Oireachtas members has quadrupled in 2011. In February, Dominic Hannigan and John Lyons of the Labour Party became the first openly gay TDs in the history of the State. David Norris, despite the upsets in his presidential campaign, held the Trinity seat he’s been fighting from for the last 24 years.

Finally, in a real triumph for the LGBT community, for women, for men, for children, for Human Rights, for Ireland, for the world, the solar system and the universe… the visionary Dr Katherine Zappone was appointed to the Senate at the request of the Táiniste.

3. Born this Way

Like it or not, Gaga’s anthem, released on 23rd May, was the soundtrack of gay 2011.

Gaga is a leader in a powerful popular campaign for equality that’s taking place on people’s TVs and iPods, and in their tweets, hearts and minds.

4. Repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

On 20th September, the United States finally repealed the insidious, twenty-year old ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy, which prevented LGBT people from serving openly in the military. At last, the army that professes to fight for freedom around the world afforded this most basic freedom to its own soldiers.

Last month the full adorable implications of the change were embodied by the ‘first kiss on land’ between Petty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta and Petty Officer 3rd Class Citalic Snell.

5. Hillary Clinton’s Speech

In the months since the repeal of DADT, the Obama administration has dramatically altered its foreign policy relating to gay rights. This shift culminated in Hillary Clinton’s ground breaking speech in Geneva on December 6th, urging the world’s leaders to afford LGBT people “the full measure of liberty, the full experience of dignity, and the full benefits of humanity.”

6. President Higgins

On 29th October, the election of Michael D. Higgins as the 9th President of Ireland was another victory for progressive, tolerant Ireland.

This feminist, human rights activist and LGBT ally is a true successor to the Marys Robinson and McAleese in the struggle to dismantle “the noxious apparatus of homophobia”.

7. International leaders support marriage equality

Around the world, the cause of Marriage Equality has been gaining momentum. In the UK, David Cameron has pledged that his government is now committed to discussing “how, not if” to implement full civil marriage for LGBT couples, and to have the legislation in place within the lifetime of the current parliament. The ruling Australian Labour Party also adjusted its platform to support full marriage equality.

In the USA, President Obama at last took a stronger stance on gay marriage, and voicing his support for the ‘Respect for Marriage Act’, which will invalidate DOMA. While many of the prospective Republican candidates for 2012 are virulently anti-gay, with Obama onside we’re promised a fair fight. Well, as fair as a fight can be when one side is clearly right.

8. Marriage equality in New York

On June 24th, just in time for a particularly joyful Pride, New York passed its Marriage Equality Act, becoming most populous state yet to legalise full gay marriage.

The first wedding in Manhattan was a real tearjerker, taking place between Phyllis Siegel, 77, and Connie Kopelov, 85.

9. Progress on homophobic bullying

Horrifying stories of gay bullying and suicide continued to emerge this year, most memorably that of 14-year old Jamey Rodemeyer, an out 14-year old activist and blogger. However, it seems that although change comes dropping slow, change does come.

In December, Ireland’s own Belong To were held up as role models at a UN conference in Rio, dedicated specifically tackling homophobic bullying as human rights abuse.

10. The UN’s first resolution on LGBT rights

This year the UN Human Rights Council passed a specific resolution supporting LGBT rights for the first time in its history. The resolution expresses “grave concern at acts of violence and discrimination, in all regions of the world, committed against individuals because of their sexual orientation and gender identity.”

While the resolution has no binding effect, it is a milestone in that it reflects an international shift in values. Its opponents are concerned that the Resolution will force countries to legalise homosexuality and recognise marriage equality. Here’s hoping that they’re right.

Have we missed anything important? Add your 2011 milestones in the comments!

Related posts:

1. Zappone & Gilligan launch fresh legal challenge for equality

• This just in from the absolute heroes that are the Belong To crew:

Over the course of the last week, BeLonG To Youth Services participated in the first ever UN level consultation on tackling homophobic bullying worldwide.

The event culminated in the drafting of ‘The Rio Statement‘, which was issued by the representatives of twenty five LGBTQ organisations present at the conference. Simultaneously, the Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon issued a ground breaking statement calling on governments globally to combat homophobic bullying.

Speaking on his return from the Rio meeting, Michael Barron, Executive Director at BeLonG To Youth Services said:

The Rio Statement on Homophobic Bullying and Education for All represents very important progress in our battle to end homophobic and transphobic bullying against LGBT young people throughout the world. As UN General Secretary Ban Ki-moon states, this bullying represents a ‘grave violation of human rights’ and it is vital that all countries tackle this issue.

BeLonG To’s work to end homophobic bullying in Ireland was identified as best practice at the Rio meeting, and will be included in a United Nations toolkit which will be made available to governments and civil society organisations around the world who work to end what former President Mc Aleese referred to as ‘the noxious apparatus of homophobia‘. This follows from the recent endorsement of our work in this area from Thomas Hammarberg, Commissioner for Human Rights at the Council of Europe.

Michael continued:

It was a great privilege to represent BeLonG To and Ireland at this first global UN consultation on homophobic bullying. What is clear is that we are making very good progress in this area in Ireland. In particular I would like to commend the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, the Department of Education, and the HSE’s National Office for Suicide Prevention for their progressive work in recent years.

But this is no time to be complacent. Homophobic bullying is an issue of huge urgency and continues to have devastating effects, including school drop-out, drug use and suicide, on young people here in Ireland.

In light of these important actions from the UN, we urge the government to reprioritise action to support LGBT young people. No young person should have their human rights and safety violated because of who they are.

• Belong To: web / fb / twitter / youtube

Related posts:

1. Seanad: Statements on Homophobic Bullying
2. Homophobic bullying to be debated in Seanad
3. BeLonG To Blueprint for Protecting LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees

As some of us recover from festive celebrations, we can ease through this week with plenty in the way of gentle socialising, and nothing too taxing. Praise be!

Monday, 12th December

Dublin

• TENI Family Support Group. For further details contact vanessa@teni.ie

Tuesday, 13th December

Dublin

• Volunteering with the Irish Feminist Network at The Duke, off Grafton Street. 7:30pm.

• Wet & Wild Sports Club on ice! At IMMA, 6:30pm.

Kerry

• Kerry LGBT Youth Project, for young people aged 15-18 years. Meets at 7pm. Contact (066) 712 1674 for info.

Wednesday, 14th December

Dublin

• Running Amach: Indoor Soccer. Places are limited; click the link for details.

• IndividualiTy, a social group for transgender young people and those questioning their gender identity. Meets at 5:30pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 6706223.

• BeLonG To Over 18s Group, for LGBT young people aged 18 – 23 from Dublin and surrounding areas. Meets at 7:30pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 6706223.

Mayo

• Shenanigans: ‘Tost’ Christmas Party at Le Chéile Family Resource Centre, Castlebar, 7pm.

Tipperary

• OUT Tipp, an LGBT support group for young people. Meets at 7pm. Contact outipp@gmail.com or 087 9100727 for info.

Thursday, 15th December

Cavan

• AIM LGBT Youth Group meets at 4pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 1625030.

Cork

• Unite* a confidential Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth group (24 years and under). Meets at 6pm. Contact info@gayyouthcork.com or (021) 4278470.

Dublin

• The Ladybirds, a group for young lesbian, bi and trans* women (aged 14-23 years). Meets at 6pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 6706223.

• Glória celebrate Christmas at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. 8pm.

• Running Amach: Coffee shop hang out at Accents Lounge. 9pm.

• Prhomo at Dragon – One year anniversary! Free before 10pm.

Galway

• Shenanigans: Over the Edge Reading. 6:30pm at Galway City Library.

Limerick

• My Diversity, for young persons aged between 14 and 25 years. Meets at 7pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or 085 2850107 / (061) 310101 for info.

Louth

• AIM Young Adults Group, an informal support for LGBT young people aged 18-25 years old in the North East. Meets at 8pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 1625030 for info.

Related posts:

1. UP Cork LGBT Youth Group: Next meeting & registration!
2. Table Quiz in aid of LGBT Helpline
3. BeLonG To Blueprint for Protecting LGBT Asylum Seekers and Refugees

• This just in from another of our new writers, roving reporter, Soapie:

Friday 18th November marked the start of Pink Training, the gayest weekend on the calendar (except Pride, of course!).

Organised by Siobhán McGuire, the LGBT Rights Officer for USI, and held in NUIG, the training was a 3 day affair, packed with intriguing workshops and fabulous socials.

A so called ‘Pink Training Virgin’, I couldn’t wait to get my cherry popped.

Friday

The shenanigans started right once we’d stepped on the bus. A DITer, I was among the best of the best, half of the delegates had been to Training before, some even 3 or 4 times. Sat behind a couple of girls in their 1st year in college, I set about getting to know the new faces. It wasn’t long before we were singing to ABBA and playing Celebrity Heads together like long lost cousins – before we knew it were in Galway!

Having been introduced to our Sleepzone Hostel and no-drinking-in-rooms policy, it was time to register to collect our goodie bags and wrist bands. A tidy navy blue kitbag, it contained the programme of proceedings, an LGBT Helpine card, Gay Prom promo flyer, USI pen, and of course the all important BASEBALL SHIRT. (Can you tell I’ve always wanted one?) Oh, and the ‘free-in’ wristband of course, which came in neon pink – perfect for Saturday’s UV Party!

With bunk-beds bagsied and matching blue logo-ed society t-shirts donned, it was time to head on down to the beauuuutiful NUI Galway. Dotted with grand old buildings and clustered with innovative new ones, it was a treat to wander our way down to the Concourse for the Official Opening. And what an opening! Heart felt speeches were given by Siobhán McGuire and Gary Redmond, USI President – intermitted by DIT’s passionate drumming scores. Then after the speeches had received a thorough standing ovation, we played a few rounds of the infamous USI Stand Up Sit Down Game before a packed Table Quiz and a night out on the lash in Galway’s Dignity Nightclub. Now, what happens in Dignity stays in Dignity.

Saturday

Saturday morning, bright eyed and bushy tailed from Hostel orange juice – ya gotta love hostel orange juice – the clan headed back down to the NUIG Concourse for Michael Barron’s keynote speech. A remarkable man, he told the story of how and why he set up Belong To, originally a response to homelessness, creating a safe place for young LGBT people to be themselves and confront their difficulties. Closing his speech, he left us with BeLonGTo’s campaign video Stand Up! Well worth a watch if you haven’t seen it already.

Coming out workshops quite aptly followed Michael’s speech, covering how and if to come out yourself, and then how to support someone who’s coming out. There was also a Trans Closed Space with Cat McIlroy, open only to those identifying as trans to create a safe space for conversation. Other workshops that were covered that day included Implementing Human Rights Standards, LGBT Sexual Health, Revolting Homosexuals with Tonie Walsh, Heteronormativity, Bi Awareness and the unforgettable Billie’s Sexual Empowerment.

With brains stuffed with knowledge we headed back to the hostel to prepare for another night painting the town pink in… Dignity Nightclub. Prepping on a game of Taboo and some fanta with vodka from a tea cup, we headed on out. Once again, what happens in Dignity stays in Dignity – bar “I shifted the titty-wank guy!” (No, not me!)

Sunday

The final day of training, our poor baseball-tee clad gays were getting a bit sleep and emotional, no more Pink Training for another whole YEAR! But nevertheless, we made the very best of our last day. With open spaces for Bis, Trans, Lesbians, Gays and Allies, everybody was catered for.

Then, once we’d gotten everything off our chests, it was time for the Closing Speech. Presented by Siobhán, it marked the end to a brilliant weekend, definitely one to be remembered for some time – if not until next year.

Thanks Siobhán!

DIT, DIT, DIT!!!

Related posts:

1. Jolly jolly! Pink Hockey Fest is nearly here!
2. Trans Sexual Health Seminar

This is one busy weekend around Ireland, including the Gay Prom, festive highlights, the return of Bitches Be Crazy, regular youth group meetings, and the start of 16 Days. Clear the diaries, folks!

Friday, 25th November

Nationwide

• International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: Start of International 16 Days Action (until 10th December). In Ireland, Women’s Aid are running their 16 Days campaign – Events around Ireland are listed at the
  Women’s Aid 16 Days blog

Cork

• Participants are needed for the Ms Gay Cork contest this Sunday! Please come & support. Proceeds go to Linc and Marriage Equality. web / facebook / facebook event

Dublin

• Art for Equality in aid of Marriage Equality. 14/15 St Stephen’s Green. Exhibition of works for auction runs until 6:30pm on Sat; Auction takes place at 6:30pm on Sat.

• Bitches Be Crazy. 8pm. Fiver before 9:30pm, tenner after. BYOB. Click “I’m attending” for details.

• BeLonG To Gay Prom at the Mansion House. Doors 8pm. Excitement!

 

• Plus! The Gay Prom After-Party will take place in Copper Alley (behind the Front Lounge). Admission is FREE with your Gay Prom ticket – (or if your dressed up to the 9s). Doors 1am. The Gay Prom After-Party will be rocking ‘til the wee small hours!

• The Electric Disco in aid of Barnardos at Tripod, Dublin, 10pm. €10 before 11pm and €15 after. Running Amach info. 2FM info.

Galway

• The shOUT! peeps are looking for people interested in becoming volunteer youth leaders within the shOUT! project. Get in touch if interested! Deadline is 26th November. Phone: 087 7738529. Email: shout@youthworkgalway.ie. shOUT! is a partnership of Youth Work Ireland, Galway with the support of BeLonG To.

Wicklow

• Civil Partnership & Co-Habiting: seminar on rights and obligations. Hunters Hotel, Wicklow. Starts 7:30pm. Info at 086 8074999.

Saturday, 26th November

Donegal

• Breakout LGBT youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact lgbt@donegalyouthservice.ie or 085 7411 607.

Dublin

• Dublin Front Runners at the Phoenix Park from 10am. More information: dublinfrontrunners@gmail.com

• Dr Sketchy’s B&W Christmas, 3pm at Le Cirk.

• Running Amach – Circle dance afternoon at Outhouse. 4pm.

• Art for Equality in aid of Marriage Equality. 14/15 St Stephen’s Green. Auction at 6:30pm.

• Strand Street Cabaret dinner & show. 8pm.

• Klub Diva Chrimbo Shindig at The Turk’s Head. Doors 9:30pm.

• Princess Ri-Ri WAR at Andrew’s Lane Theatre. “My vagina is just as hungry as Rihanna’s.” It’s a Rihanna special. Doors 10pm.

Dundalk

• AIM Youth Group. 1pm to 3pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 162 5030.

Galway

• Ceramics workshop at shOUT! Phone: 087 7738529. Email: shout@youthworkgalway.ie

• Deadline for expressions of interest for volunteer youth leaders with shOUT!. Get in touch if interested!

• Shenanigans meet for coffee. 3pm.

• Shenanigans at Wildes Bar. 9pm.

• The Full Moon Thai Party at Dignity.

Limerick

• My LGBT Young Adults Group (18-25 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

• Rainbow Teens (14-17 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

Sunday, 27th November

Cork

• Ms Gay Cork at Chambers. Doors 9pm. Proceeds to Linc & Marriage Equality.

Dublin

• Running Amach at the Science Gallery. 12 noon.

• Dublin International Gay Social Group (D.I.G.S.) monthly Sunday meetup. 1pm.

• BeLonG To Sundays. 3pm to 6pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 670 6223.

• Running Amach board games afternoon. 3pm in Temple Bar.

• Running Amach film meet up at the IFI (My Week With Marilyn). 4pm.

Waterford

• Chill Out youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact chillout@wstcys.ie or 086 858 9865.

Related posts:

1. UP Cork LGBT Youth Group: Next meeting & registration!

Dust off your ruby red slippers and tiaras for Ireland’s Official Gay Prom 2011!

This Friday, 25th November, don your glad rags and join 300 members of Ireland’s LGBT community for the annual Gay Prom which takes place in the luxurious surroundings of the Mansion House Dublin. Guests can expect a night of glitz and glamour, old-school prom style.

A special night in every gay boy and girl’s calendar, guests will enjoy live entertainment, an array of special guest performance, delicious food and dancing until the wee hours.

The night kicks off at 8.00pm, tickets are priced at €40, and all proceeds go to BeLonG To supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender young people in Ireland. Tickets are available from belongto.org, the Project Arts Centre, or by calling (01) 881 9613.

Commenting on the importance of an event like the Gay Prom, Michael Barron, Executive Director of BeLonG To, said:

“BeLonG To’s Gay Prom is a celebration and coming out party for people of all ages. It’s a fabulous party, but not only that – it’s about our community supporting its young people to come out safely and to have all the same opportunities as other young people.

“Because of bullying and exclusion school can be a really tough place for LGBT young people. Traditional school Debs can be difficult for them, with many not going and still more not being able to bring a same-sex partner. Gay Prom is about addressing this so that gay young people know that they are valued and have the same rights as everyone else.”

BeLonG To Youth Services is the national youth organisation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) young people in Ireland. BeLonG To was established in 2003 and envisions a future in which LGBT young people are safe and supported in their families, schools and communities, and all young people are equally cared for, valued, and respected.

BeLonG To provides direct youth services to LGBT young people in Dublin and supports LGBT youth groups all around Ireland. They engage in national policy, training and awareness programs, including the Stand Up! Don’t Stand for Homophobic Bullying Campaign.

Where: The Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

When: 25th November 2011 at 8pm

Admission: Tickets €40.00 per person

Strictly over 18s (ID required).

• BeLonG To: website / facebook / twitter / youtube

Related posts:

1. Actions speak louder than statements

The weekend was fairly jam-packed full of events, and there’s plenty going on during the coming week.

For some of the best bits, keep readin’.

(If anything’s missing, let me know in a comment or email!)

Monday, 7th November

Nationwide

• The online LGBT Traveller Health Survey continues until the 10th. Spread the word!

Cork

• It’s the final day for voting in the Cork Rebel Awards 2011.

 

• OutLook continues, as part of the Cork Film Festival

Dublin

• A Bear, a Bull, and a Chicken comedy night at Panti Bar. From 9pm. Free.

Dundalk

• Dundalk Outcomers women’s night. 8:30pm until 10:30pm. Contact Bernardine on (042) 9329816.

Galway

• LGBT Diversity Midlands Regional Seminar – Active Ageing for All: Older and LGBT at Menlo Park Hotel, Galway. Starts at 10am.

Tuesday, 8th November

Cavan

• LGBTinC meeting in Cavan Town. 7:30pm until 9.30pm. Email info@lgbtinc.org or call/text 086 249 1821 for more details.

Dublin

• Let’s Talk About Sex with Running Amach (location TBC). An open, honest discussion about sexual intimacy, safer sex and sexual pleasure. From 7pm.

Wednesday, 9th November

Cork

• Phoenix Youth Group at LinC (15-23s). 6pm until 9pm. Contact info@linc.ie or (021) 4808600 for more info or to speak with a Youth Worker before joining.

Dublin

• BeLonG To IndividualiTy. 5:30pm until 7:30pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 6706223 for more info.

 

• Dublin Front Runners in the Phoenix Park. Meet at 7:30pm. More information: dublinfrontrunners@gmail.com

Kilkenny

• LGBT Diversity Seminar: “Looking to the Future: Older and LGBT” at Langton’s Hotel, Kilkenny. From 10am. Contact berni@lgbtdiversity.com for details

Thursday, 10th November

Nationwide

• Final day of the LGBT Traveller Health Survey

Kerry

• Ciarrai Amach-Kerry LGBT Project : “Equality Achieved?” conference at Ballyroe Heights Hotel. From 9:30am. Booking form here.

Voilà!

No related posts.

Attention bisexuals, leslies and transfolk! There’s plenty a-happening to keep you occupied this weekend, so I thought, “What better than to present all of that information in one handy post?” (Plus, I decided to call it a BLT Sandwich. And I’m not even sorry.)

So, here it is. (If I’ve left anything out, pop it in a comment or email!)

Friday, 4th November

Dublin

• Surprise WAR at Andrews Lane Theatre. Doors 10pm. Follow the link to find out how to get in for free or for cheap. Admission is “€8 if you are a schmuck.”

• Bunny’s Hutch at PantiBar. Starts 10pm. Free.

Dundalk

• “Queer Conversation”: Dundalk Outcomers mixed night. From 8:30pm until 10:30pm.

Galway

• GOSSIP monthly meeting. From 7:30pm until 9:30pm.

Saturday, 5th November

Cork

• Claiming Our Future Ideas: “An Economy for Society”, Millennium Hall, Cork City Hall. Registration 10am. Enquiries to richie@claimingourfuture.ie. More info here.)

Donegal

• Breakout LGBT youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact lgbt@donegalyouthservice.ie or 085 7411 607.

Dublin

• Parent and children group at Outhouse. From 3pm to 5pm. All parents and their children welcome. Contact Fidelma: (01) 865 0093 or fidelma@outhouse.ie

 

• The Big Deal at Project Arts Theatre and panel discussion, “We are family”, with TENI.

 

• In4Squash/OutInIreland Winter Squash Tournament at West Wood Club, Leopardstown, Dublin 18. 10:30am until 5:30pm.

 

• Dublin International Gay Social Group (D.I.G.S.) evening in Havana at 7:30pm.

 

• Wet and Wild Sports Club : Karting at Kylemore Karting. Starts at 6pm.

 

• Dublin Front Runners at the Phoenix Park from 10am. More information: dublinfrontrunners@gmail.com

 

• Strand Street Cabaret at Foam Café. Doors 8pm, Show 9.30, €15 for tapas, dessert & a glass of wine.

 

• The Panti Show at PantiBar from 10pm.

 

• Mother’s Mix at Copper Alley. Doors 11pm. €5 in before 11:30pm.

Dundalk

• AIM Youth Group. 1pm to 3pm. Contact youth@outcomers.org or 086 162 5030.

Galway

• TENI Transgender Awareness Workshop at shOUT!. 4pm to 6pm. Email shout@youthworkgalway.ie

Limerick

• My LGBT Young Adults Group (18-25 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

 

• Rainbow Teens (14-17 years). 12noon to 2pm. Contact mylgbrss@gmail.com or (061) 310 101 / 085 285 0107.

Sunday, 6th November

Cork

• OutLook Film Festival web / fb / web

Dublin

• BeLonG To Sundays. 3pm to 6pm. Contact info@belongto.org or (01) 670 6223.

Waterford

• Chill Out youth group. 2pm to 4pm. Contact chillout@wstcys.ie or 086 858 9865.

No related posts.

It’s that time of year again!

The BeLonG To Gay Prom 2011 takes place on 25th November next in the Mansion House.

Where: The Mansion House, Dawson Street, Dublin 2

When: 25th November 2011 at 8pm

Admission: €40.00 per person (ticket only)

Get your tickets here or by phone (01-881 9613). More info here and here!

Our friends in BeLonG To say:

The Gay Prom 2011: A Gay Prom For All Ages From 18 to Infinity!

This is your chance to have the debs you always wanted while supporting this amazing organisation.

Featuring special guest performers, fabulous food and dancing until very late, together with the crowning of The Gay Prom King and Queen.

Dress to Impress

Doors 8pm. Dancing Debutantes til late…

BeLonG To works to create an Ireland where all young people grow up knowing that being gay is ok. A society which respects and values all young people equally, one where LGBT young people’s identities are celebrated, and one where no young person is ever told that they have to change who they are.

This is BeLonG To Youth Services’ Annual Fundraising Ball to Support lesbian, Gay Bisexual & Transgender Young People in Ireland (Charity No. 16534).

For more information visit about BeLongTo visit their website.

Over 18′s only (ID Required), Management reserve the right of admission, strictly no exchange or refunds on tickets.

• BeLonG To: website / facebook / twitter / youtube

No related posts.

Where?

Copper Alley Nightclub, just off Dame St behind the Front Lounge.

When?

Saturday, 29th October, 8pm–11pm.

Fancy Dress, or Dress Fancy – The theme is Hallowe’en – so get creative! Tricks & treats provided!

DJ Paul Ryder playing the best in pop/charts & commercial dance.

€3 Juice cocktails
€1.50 Coke/7up/orange

ID aims to provide an alternative social experience for those LGBT youths who are either too young to attend licensed clubs, or don’t want to. ID is run in support of BeLonG To Youth Services.

This is an alcohol free event.

More details on Facebook!

Related posts:

1. UP Cork LGBT Youth Group: Next meeting & registration!
2. Calling the Dublin Pride women’s night “The Pussy Cat Club”. Are you serious?
3. Dublin to host European LGBT conference