Minister Joe O’Brien welcomes funding for Balbriggan based LGBTI+ project

5th December, 2022

Minister Joe O’Brien has welcomed the announcement of funding for Outcomers, a social and befriending support group for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) people, as one of the 27 LGBTI+ projects set to receive funding under the 2022 LGBTI+ Community Services Funding Call. Through this Fund, a total of €1,209,832.35 will be made available to support organisations across Ireland 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.

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, and safe and supported.

Positive visibility and increased non-stereotypical representation of LGBTI+ identities is vital to support long-term attitudinal change.

Welcoming the funding for the Balbriggan arm of Outcomers, Minister Joe O’Brien said:

“Every LGBTI+ person deserves to feel safe, visible and included in our communities across Fingal, and indeed in every village, town and city across Ireland. This €60,000 for Outcomers will support the organisation to improve access for LGBTI+ people to supports and services which will help to improve their quality of life, and support them in realising their rights.

Outcomers are doing valuable work, providing a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone, and ensuring LGBTI+ people can be visible in their community in Balbriggan. I want to commend their work, and the many volunteers who support that work, in making LGBTI+ people feel welcome and supported.”