This past year has been a difficult one for Irish charities, many have experienced an increased demand for their services alongside an inability to fundraise through the traditional methods. With that in mind, here is a round up of 13 different LGBTQI+ charities that should be on your radar this Pride Month.
Ireland’s oldest LGBTQI+ NGO, NXF is responsible for publishing GCN (Gay Community News) magazine – a brilliant online resource and the country’s longest-running free LGBTQI+ publication.
GOSHH (Gender Orientation Sexual Health HIV)
A charity whose aim is to provide a safe, confidential, welcoming environment for all those they work with, GOSHH is based in Munster and works in counties Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary. Their focus is on the promotion of equality and wellbeing of all with a positive and respectful approach to sexual orientation and gender diversity.
Open seven days a week, LGBT Ireland is a strong advocate for the LGBTQI+ community. Available to contact via phone, online or through instant messaging service, they also offer a peer support group for those that prefer face-to-face meetings.
Geared towards young people between the ages of 14 and 23, BeLong To has been working since 2003 to create a world in which people who identify as LGBTQI+ feel equal, safe and valued in the diversity of their identities and experiences. They offer a number of different services with a focus on mental and sexual health, alongside drug and alcohol support.
LinC (Lesbians in Cork)
A specialised lesbian community centre down in Cork, LinC advocates for lesbian and bisexual women in Ireland. Aiming to improve the quality of life, health and general well-being of all women who identify as lesbian or bisexual in Ireland, they also offer bespoke LGBTQI+ Awareness training packages for schools, professionals and other businesses.
Created by young people, for young people, Spun Out has over 180,000 active readers each month. Established back in 2005, the website aims to empower young people (between the ages of 16-25) with the information they need to live happy, healthy and active lives. Providing information on a range of different topics, they have a dedicated LGBTQI+ category that is populated with plenty of advice, articles and other resources.
Based on three core pillars – community, advocacy and support – Bi+ Ireland, aims to create a space where bi+ people can make friends and access peer support. Fully run by a team of volunteer coordinators, they organise regular events which you can keep to date with over on their social media.
Ireland’s only dedicated statutory sexual health and wellbeing service for gay and bisexual men, men who have sex with men and the trans population. GMHS services are free with those on offer including screenings, treatment, blood testing, vaccinations, advice and support.
A confidential support helpline organised by a group of female-identified (LGBTQI+) volunteers, it runs every Thursday night from 6:30 pm to 9 pm. Opening their services up to just about everyone, they provide telephone and online support to anyone who may need it. The first LGBT female helpline, their name was chosen back in 1979, however, volunteers are keen to emphasise that their services have since expanded. As they put it, “we are not just for Dubliners, not only for lesbians and do a lot more as well as the helpline!”
A community and resource centre for LGBTQI+ people, their families, and friends, Outhouse’s vision is “a vibrant and safe space for LGBTQI+ people, groups and organisations that is inclusive of the diversity within our communities”. First opening their doors in 1997, they’re guided by principles of community, equality and partnership, and remain focus on providing information, a safe drop-in space/café and meeting space for both individuals and groups.
Almost entirely voluntary, ShoutOut is “fuelled by compassion”. Using years of on-the-ground experience speaking with young people, they deliver educational workshops for teachers, parents, guardians, social workers, youth workers and workplaces.
TENI (Transgender Equality Network Ireland)
A non-profit member-driven organisation, TENI was founded in 2006. Run by a volunteer board, they work to advance the rights, equality and lives of trans people and their families in Ireland.
A resource specifically aimed at LGBTQI+ members of the Traveller and Roma communities, LGBT Pavee hopes to unite people across any age and gender who identify as LGBTQI+. Set up in 2009, they provide impartial and up-to-date information on LGBTQI+ issues while giving a platform to those who may not otherwise have a voice.
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