We are here to support and celebrate with you not only for June but throughout the year. We are committed to providing a safe space for all young people in our services, where they are free to be and express themselves.
Many thanks to the young people at the Illuminate event for the artwork in the featured image.
Remember, whether you are out or not, you already belong.
LGBTQ+ Youth Groups
Call in to your local Youth Service.
Your local youth service is a welcoming, supportive and safe place to come – it is open to all young people. You can talk to a Youth Worker in confidence – who will answer your questions including how to join, what activities are offered or what’s involved in setting a youth group in your area.
Here at Crosscare, we want you to know that we are here to support you thrive and be the best version of yourself in what ever group you are in. If however you would like to be in a LGBTQ+ specific group, you can find them here…
- Arklow LGBTQ+ Youth group – Angeline ph: 086 778 9427
- Dún Laoghaire LGBTQ+ Youth Group – Sophie Ph: 086 1916985
- Swords LGBTQ+ Youth Club – Lewis ph: 086 201 8178
- Bray LGBTQ+ Youth Group – Paul Ph: 086 7792587
- Nutgrove LGBTQ+ & Allies Group – Kate Ph: 086 067 1158
BelongTo have a national database of Youth Groups here.
Resources
Here are some resources for Pride – help you learn more, understand the history and see the support for and in the community.
NeuroQueer: Stories by us for us. Representing LGBTQI+ Neurodivergent Identities. This booklet explores what it means to be both neurodivergent and LGBTQI+, two identities are rarely talked about together. Download Booklet here
Check out the Irish Council for Civil Liberties website for the Know your rights – A Guide for Trans and Non Binary People.
Ok, hands up, we confess it’s not really a guide to everything gay, but this book created by Crosscare Youth Services Bray LGBTQ+ Youth Group, still manages to give a huge amount of information for anyone wondering about the LGBTQ+ experience!
‘A Guide to All Things Gay’ is available here for free download
A cheesy but educational game show style pride quiz! from Crosscare Youth Services Bray.
GOSSH
Find some representation in the books we read. ‘More than words’ an LGBTI+ Youth book guide.
Know Your Queer History
A new online video series from ShoutOut, Know Your Queer History features interviews with 12 individuals who were all involved in different ways with the progression of LGBTQ+ equality in Ireland. More info….
ProudandPrepared.ie
An initiative, a collaborative effort between LGBT community organisations like Gay Health Network & Man2Man.ie, BelongTo, LINC, Gay Men’s Health Service (GMHS), and Dublin Pride. Their mission is to raise awareness about available health and wellbeing services catering to various needs such as sexual health, mental health, physical health, and substance use support. Through our collective experience, we emphasise the important connection between a healthy body and mind, positively influencing every aspect of our lives. More info …
Digital Self Care Tips
Check out BelongTo’s digital self care tips. Social media and other online platforms can be a great way to keep in touch with friends, connect with the LGBTQ+ community, and find out more about topics and hobbies you love… But did you know that you can also practice digital self-care when online and using social media?
The Sexuality Wheel
The Sexuality Wheel gives an idea of the many elements that make up or influence a person’s sexuality. It shows that our understanding and experience of our sexuality and how we express it in the world is a core part of who we are as human beings. More info…
Too Into You
Has a podcast that explores what a healthy LGBTQ+ relationship looks like, what forms abuse can take, barriers in recognising it and where to find support for abuse in LGBTQ+ relationships. Check out Episode 6 in the TooIntoYou podcast.
History of Pride in Ireland
Learn more about the history of Pride in Ireland and the Gay Rights Movement with SpunOut’s History of Pride in Ireland.
The National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy 2024 – 2028
The National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy reflects a Whole of Government commitment to fostering a safe, fair, and inclusive society for the LGBTIQ+ community; a society in which LGBTIQ+ people can live inclusive, healthy, and fulfilling lives. More Info
We asked young people what LGBTQ+ joy is.
It is true that sometimes things aren’t easy. With time, support and community they generally often get better. Joy is part of the story too. We asked young people what LGBTQ+ joy looks like in their lives! Reach out, check out the youth clubs below if you are ready. If you are not ready, take your time and mind yourself, you already belong and your community will be here waiting for you when you are.
Information
Remember if you have any questions, you can chat online to a trained Youth Information Officer.
We can help you with any questions you have, from education, employment, your rights and entitlements, social protection benefits, college grants, accommodation, and more. We can give you information, answer your questions, and provide you with a second opinion.