Last weekend, I was lucky enough to attend the Midlands LGBT+ project Offaly launch event which brought a splash of colour to Tullamore.
And this week, I spoke in the Seanad about how lucky we are to have organisations like Midlands LGBT+ in Laois and Offaly.
Midlands LGBT+ is a non-profit organisation based in Laois and their mission is to reduce isolation for Adult LGBT+ persons in the Midlands. They run peer support groups as well as LGBT+ events throughout the year and they also provide training to businesses and community groups and deliver school workshops. Visit their Facebook here;
Nobody, anywhere should experience isolation because of how they identify yet recent tragic events in Sligo and Dublin show that we still have a lot left to do to ensure that the LGBT+ community feels safe in their homes, on our streets, and online.
I'm delighted that there is an Offaly Joint Policing Committee subgroup, chaired by Cllr Mark Hackett, which will focus on the prevention of gender based violence in public spaces. I wish them well with their important work.
However, I am sad to say that in 2022, Ireland still does not have hate crime legislation and the law on incitement to hatred dates back to 33 years ago, thankfully, legislation is on the way to change this.
Hate crimes are message crimes intended to target entire communities. Victims are targeted because of what they represent, and the impact of hate crime goes beyond the single person: their whole community is affected, as well as society as a whole.
I call upon those who see homophobia and transphobia in society to call it out and to encourage and support those experiencing homophobia or transphobia to report hate incidents to LGBT Ireland or to the GardaÃ.
This behaviour cannot be tolerated or normalised. We must stand in power together; we must stand in Pride.
To get involved in the first ever Laois Pride, happening this summer email Mia.volunteer@midlandslgbtproject.com
The National LGBT Helpline is available 7 days a week for emotional support on freephone 1800 929 539
from 6.30pm to 10pm Mon – Thurs,
from 4pm to 10pm Fridays
from 4pm to 6pm on Sat & Sun
Watch my full Seanad speech here: