Happy Pride! This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first Dublin Pride March. For the entire month of June we make it an extra priority to celebrate, highlight and give support to our LGBT+ community. The theme of this year’s Pride March is SHINE. This year we want to shine a light on providing information, guidance, and a safe, fun and supportive place for young LGBT+ people to come together.
SMILY
We are proud to offer a safe and inclusive space to LGBT+ young people in Sligo/Leitrim though our SMILY project. SMILY is a youth group in Sligo and Leitrim for young people aged between 14-18 years who identify as Lesbian, Gay, bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) or who are questioning their identity. SMILY aims to provide a safe and fun environment, where young LGBT people can be who they are or want to be, can socialise with like-minded people, in an accepting space, developing friendships, gaining knowledge through training , to become better equipped to challenge the inequalities faced by LGBT+ young people, to be a possible bringer of change to their own lives and the lives of others.
Proud Spaces
PROUD SPACES is a three year project proudly launched by our national organisation Youth Work Ireland. The project seeks to evidence the positive outcomes youth work practices can and do achieve in supporting young LGBT+ young people in Ireland. All evidence collected through the research done by this project is used to help us create Proud Spaces for LGBT+ youth in our youth spaces.
Queer History Lessons
Learn about the origins of the rainbow pride flag, drag balls, and milestones in the Irish LGBTQ+ community in this series from RTE! Queer History Lessons discusses different aspects of culture and history such as the rainbow Pride flag, voguing, and “secret codes” used in the past. Simple, short, and informative, the series is suited for those passionate about history, as well as people who are not too familiar with LGBTQ+ culture. Available on the RTE Player. In the meantime, check out the journey of LGBT+ rights in Ireland:
Resources
Love is Love – a book created by young people in Leitrim & Sligo. It explores their journeys with gender and identity, offering powerful insights and stories. Available to purchase here.
Here For You – LGBT supports and services in Sligo town & online. Read more on the project here.
Watch Here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C0gy4RrRSh5/
A Guide to All Things Gay – book created by Bray LGBTQ+ Youth Group giving a huge amount of information for anyone wondering about the LGBTQ+ experience
A Pocket Guide to Transitioning
– Guide by AMACH! LGBT+ Galway and ShOUT! LGBT+ Youth Project (YWI Galway) that provides information on social, legal, and medical transition in Ireland. It was made to empower trans people and those who support them in their transition.
If you have questions about being LGBT+ or accessing supports for LGBT+ young people, you can chat online to a trained Youth Information Officer or contact us on yicsligo.ncycs@gmail.com / 085 8041020 (WhatsApp) and we can get back to you.