Two Louth based LGBTI+ groups, Outcomers and the Drogheda LGBTQI Support Group, have been awarded a total of €66k under the 2022 LGBTI+ Community Services Funding Call.

Outcomers, a social and support group for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender (LGBT) people throughout the North East area which has operated since 1997 with a drop in centre in Dundalk and regular meetings in Drogheda, is to receive €60k.

The Drogheda LGBTQ Support Group is a smaller independent support organisation providing confidential drop-in space, information, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ adults in the Drogheda area. They have been awarded €6k.

The 2022 LGBTI+ Community Services funding call for proposals ran from 22nd June to 20th July 2022 with €1,209,832.35 available nationwide in 2022 to support LGBTI+ projects through grant funding of €25,000 - €100,000 per successful Scheme A project and €5,000 - €10,000 per successful Scheme B project.

“Outcomers secured the monies through a Scheme A application and Drogheda LGBTQI Support Group secured their monies through a Scheme B application” Deputy O’Dowd said.

“I’m delighted that local Louth organisations will benefit significantly from the €1.2m national fund, improving supports and services for the LGBTI+ community is essential as we try to build a more inclusive and safe environment for everyone.

“I wish Bernie and the extended team in Outcomers and Peter and the extended team in Drogheda the very best in delivering their respective projects.”

The National 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.