LGBT Ireland's Key Support Worker Fund

Help LGBT Ireland continue their fight against homophobia. These days, far too often we’re hearing about innocent people being attacked for their perceived sexual orientation or identity in Ireland. I’m afraid for my friends well-being and myself. I honestly wasn’t even sure where to begin and started to research organisations that can help those who have been victims or are at risk of homophobic violence. Then I found LGBT Ireland!

 

LGBT Ireland is a national charitable organisation which provides quality services to LGBTI+ people across the country. We love to see it! A huge part of their work is advocacy through which they ensure that LGBTI+ equality remains on the political and legal agenda in Ireland. As part of their advocacy work, LGBT Ireland campaigns for effective legislation to combat incitement to hatred and hate crimes. They also work alongside the Garda Diversity Unit to improve the Garda response to and recording of hate crimes.

 

Your donation to this organisation will have a tangible, real impact for victims. They told me that with €20,000 they could employ a Key Support Worker to undertake much needed work in the hate crime space. This Key Support Worker would engage with complex cases that arise such as urgent violence cases as well as homelessness and family support.

 

We’ve come so far when it comes to rights and choice for all with the Same Sex Marriage Referendum in 2015 and again in 2018 when the country voted to Repeal the Eighth. And yes, it’s amazing and these were moments to be proud of but we’ve definitely got a long way to go. Too often we are hearing of homophobic attacks and violence across the country and change is critical.

 

Ireland is currently ranked #16 in Europe in the ILGA rankings. Basically, The ILGA Europe index ranks countries on their respective legal and policy practices for LGBTI people. The further down the ranking, the more gaps that exist around LGBTI rights and protection. So, Ireland being positioned at #16 isn’t great.

 

So while Ireland gets its act together, implements those much-needed laws, and climbs its way up the ILGA ranking, we need to support victims the of this delayed process and have the courage to make sure everyone in Ireland is supported and protected.

 

Thank you so much for your support it’s really appreciated x