DCEDIY is progressing the LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2022 and the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy 2018-2020 which contain actions that are aimed at promoting inclusion, protecting rights and improving the quality of life and wellbeing of LGBTI+ people. The strategies reflect the commitment in the Programme for Government to create an equal, fair and inclusive society for all.?Some of our current projects include:
Supporting older LGBTI+ people
- An analysis of the needs, strengths and challenges experienced by our older LGBTQI+ community.?€70,000 has been allocated to this research in 2022. The purpose of this research is to inform the Government’s current and future National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy.?
Supporting young LGBTI+ people
- The LGBTI+ Youth Leadership Programme, developed by the LGBTI+ Youth Forum, was delivered in 2021 by Foróige in collaboration with Belong To. 45 young people, aged under 18 years, completed the Programme. A second LGBTI+ Youth Leadership and Advocacy Programme took place for 18 to 24 year olds. A similar programme will be offered later this year.?
- LGBTI+ Youth in Ireland and Europe: A two-phased Landscape and Research Gap Analysis, a joint publication by DCEDIY and National University Ireland Galway (NUIG) was launched in May 2021. The full report is available on Gov.ie as well as a five short summaries targeting key stakeholder groups young people, service providers, policy makers, educators and researchers that were published in May 2022.
- In 2019, DCEDIY successfully held a national competition for young people to design a public recognition marker known as the LGBTI+ welcome sticker for display in businesses in Ireland. The roll out of the sticker, delayed due to Covid, will commence this year.?
Supporting LGBTI+ people at local and national level
- On 22 June 2022 the Department launched LGBTI+ Community Services Funding Call. Groups and organisations can apply for funding of community services at local, regional or national level that promote visibility and inclusion of LGBTI+ people. €900,000 in total is available in funds. There are two streams of funding; Scheme A will continue to support new initiatives but will also be open to applications from existing LGBTI+ NGOs for funding to maintain and enhance existing services and initiatives. Scheme B will provide small grants to organisations for projects that promote visibility and inclusion of LGBTI+ persons.?
Support for LGBTI+ people fleeing the war in Ukraine?
- €68,000 has been provided to LGBT Ireland to provide a coordinated response to the additional needs of LGBTI+ people arriving from Ukraine. This includes providing relevant information, outreach and drop-in services training, practical supports and LGBTI+ friendly accommodation.?
- The Department is funding research into conversion therapy in the context of the Programme for Government commitment to ban this practice. This research will capture the views and experience of people who have undergone conversion therapy in Ireland.?
DCEDIY will continue to work with the LGBTI+ community, NGO and relevant service providers to promote inclusion and increase visibility of LGBTI+ people not just during Pride month but all year round. To view more details about our work visit?Gov.ie.
