06 June

Ally For All

Being an ally is more than just tolerance. A good ally is genuinely accepting of a person’s identity.  An ally acts for the community when they see discrimination and prejudice. An ally has their friend’s back, even when they aren’t there to know it.

Coming Out!!

Coming out means sharing your sexual orientation or gender identity with people you know. Sharing this information with a person for the first time is a big step.

We know people think a lot about who they want to tell and how they want to tell them. It might worth considering

• Some people find it easier to tell a friend before family.
• Are you ready to tell people?
• What might their reaction be?
• Might they tell someone else?
• Is this the best time?
• Choosing a place where you won’t be disturbed.
• Make sure you’ve enough time to have a proper conversation. Allow time for questions.
• Spend time thinking what you might say, or writing notes for yourself.
• If coming out as trans or non-binary, do you want to ask people to use a different name/pronoun?
• Allow some time for people to adjust. Remember first reaction may not be a person’s long-term feeling.

There is no one correct way. Some might find a letter or text easier than a conversation. Some people have had a proper sit down conversation, others have dropped the subject into a chat.

Few more ideas…

Are you a young refugee or person seeking protection?:

1. June 20th is World Refugee Day.

2. Legal Help & Asylum Process: Register your application for International Protection. You have the right to a legal advisor. Contact the Irish Refugee Council or the Legal Aid Board. If your application is refused, you can appeal through the International Protection Appeals Tribunal (IPAT).
3. Accommodation: Direct Provision – Most young people live in Direct Provision while waiting for a decision. You will get food, shelter, medical care, and access to education. If you are under 18 and alone, Tusla (Child and Family Agency) will help you.
4. Healthcare & Mental Health: You will get a medical card. You can visit a GP (doctor) for free. Mental health support is available. Spirasi helps people who have been through trauma or torture.
5. Education & Training: Free English (ESOL) classes are available through ETBs and local groups. Primary and secondary school are free. You can join further education through Education and Training Boards (ETBs). Some colleges offer scholarships for refugees and protection applicants.
6. Social Life & Integration: Join local clubs, sports, or community centres to meet people and feel at home. Crosscare Youth Services offer support, social groups and other activities.
7. Working: International protection applicants are eligible to apply for a labour market access permit 5 months after the date applied for asylum. Refugees can work, study, and access training freely after status is granted
8. More information youth.ie/IPinfo or chat online.

Useful contacts:

1. Irish Refugees Council

2. Young Carers

3. GiveBlood.ie