€46k in funding for Midlands LGBT+ Project welcomed
Local Minister for State, Pippa Hackett, has welcomed an allocation of €46,475 to meet the needs of the LGBT+ communities across Offaly, Laois and Kildare.
The Minister attended the launch of the Midlands Laois LGBT+ Project earlier this year, and she has commended the organisation "on working to reach LGBT+ people in rural Ireland."
The local funding was part of a larger suite of funding allocated by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to 42 LGBT+ community service-based projects across Ireland under the 2021 LGBT+ Community Services Funding Call.
A total of €1.5 million is to be allocated to 42 projects with successful organisations being able to avail of individual grants of up to €85,000 to assist the development of rural community infrastructure to be inclusive and welcoming of LGBTI+ persons, address gaps in LGBTI+ services and support existing LGBTI+ community organisations.
Minister O’Gorman said the funding follows last year’s successful funding call and the continuation of this funding will further improve access to services for LGBTI+ people, regardless of their age or where in the country they live. I am delighted to provide funding of €1.5 million to support 42 organisations across Ireland”
The National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 adopted by Government and launched in November 2019, provides a whole-of-Government framework for identifying and addressing issues which may prevent LGBTI+ people from enjoying full equality in practice in Irish society. The Strategy is based on four thematic pillars providing a vision of an Ireland where members of the LGBTI+ community are visible and included, treated equally, healthy, safe and supported.
The Minister added that the 2021 LGBTI+ Community Services Funding Call is an important element in achieving the overall objective of the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy and in supporting the Government’s objective to build a fairer and more inclusive society. Positive visibility and increased non-stereotypical representation of LGBTI+ identities is vital to support long-term attitudinal change. Supporting these organisations have an increased importance at a time when many LGBTI+ people may feel disconnected from their community. I am confident that these projects will be successful in ensuring members continue to feel included and supported into 2022”
Minister O’Gorman extended his thanks to all of the organisations that submitted applications and congratulated those that were successful.