LGBTI+ information booklet launched
A new information booklet on the LGBTI+ community has been launched to coincide with Pride month.
Cavan and Monaghan Rainbow Youth (CaMRY) compiled the book, which offers helpful information on language, sexuality and local services, as well as sharing the experiences of some young members of the group.
Chasing Rainbows was compiled by members of the group across Cavan and Monaghan.
CaMRY, which launched in Cavan in 2018, runs two groups in Cavan and one in Monaghan for young people between the ages of 12 and 17 years and 18 and 24 years. Support groups for family members are also held.
The numbers attending some of the groups have doubled in the short time since Christmas.
Youth Development Officer with CaMRY, Pauric Hand, praised the young people in particular for their work in compiling the booklet: “We are grateful for the fact these children have worked so hard for this booklet. Young people have also provided a lot in terms of artwork and they’ve shared their own stories and experiences growing up LGBTI in the Cavan and Monaghan areas.”
Some were said to have experienced homophobic abuse on school buses and in other places, with teachers and family members also said to be guilty of using offensive language.
Speaking at the launch, he said the point of the book is to try to inform people about the community and help them understand: “The point really is to promote awareness among the general public. Young people felt there was a lot of misinformation out there regarding what it means to be LGBTI and the issues that they face.”
Oein De Bhairduin LGBTI+ activist and founder of LGBT Tara, Traveller and Roma Alliance also spoke at the Clones launch where he praised the work of the CaMRY group but highlighted issues: “I notice the word ‘volunteer’ being used a lot. That’s a real worry. It needs proper resources.”
He said the organisation is important as it helps to create a safe space for LGBTI+ young people across Cavan and Monaghan.
For more information on CaMRY visit their website.